Chapter II

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

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

someone who offers opposition

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

anew

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

in an enjoyable manner

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

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

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

the date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

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

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

bewildering or striking dumb with wonder

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

capability to perform or produce

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

an inn in some eastern countries with a large courtyard that provides accommodation for caravans

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

plural of “conflict” — an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

collect in one place

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

in a gainful way

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a voracious giant in Francois Rabelais' book of the same name

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

the act of giving

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a state of high honor

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

destroyed or killed

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

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

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

follow stealthily or recur constantly and spontaneously to

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

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

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

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

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

not formal

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

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

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

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

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

go away from a place

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

the act of eating lunch

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

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 This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

used to form the superlative

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

not any; not one

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

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

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

participate in games or sport

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

following a meal (especially dinner)

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

third-person singular of “prefer” — like better; value more highly

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

plural of “professor” — someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

possessive form of “simpson” — United States divorcee whose marriage to Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

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

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

the relative tendency or disposition to be sociable or associate with one's fellows

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

in or at or to some place

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

not in physical motion

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

(formal) in or into that thing or place

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

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

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

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

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

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

From this reading I had been lunching at Simpson’s in the Strand, and, my meal finished, had gone up into the smoking-room for a coffee and liqueur.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

precisely as stated

From this reading The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

look attentively

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

at the time that

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

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

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading There one may watch astounding mental conflicts which leave one’s brain in a whirl; or, if one prefers it, may oneself join issue in a duel, whether for glory or profit; or, better still, like Gargantua, having a friend for adversary, for the mere serious diversion of the game, and for its capacity for giving a rare meditative flavour to one’s tobacco.

belonging to which person

From this reading This is a famous corner of a famous caravansary, being dedicate, like no other smoking-room I know, to the service of the most ancient and most royal game of chess, many of whose leading professors forgather therein, as it were, in an informal club, for the mixed purposes of sociability and play.

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 The room, too, for such a haunt of gravity, is a cheerful room, with its large window overlooking the Strand, and one may spend a postprandial hour there very agreeably, and eke very gainfully if one takes an idler’s interest in other people’s problems.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MY SECOND MEETING WITH THE BARON (_From Mr. Bickerdike’s Manuscript_) It might have been somewhere near the anniversary of my first meeting with the Baron when I came upon him again--in London this time.