Chapter XII

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

(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 THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

an architectural product or work

From this reading --_Ruskin_: _The Seven Lamps of Architecture_.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

an inhabitant of ancient Assyria

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

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

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

plural of “egyptian” — a native or inhabitant of Egypt

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

divisible by two

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

plural of “gradation” — relative position in a graded series

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

something written by hand

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading --_Ruskin_: _The Seven Lamps of Architecture_.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

engage in

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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 (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

the force of workers available

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

impressive in appearance

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

participate in games or sport

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

British art critic (1819-1900)

From this reading --_Ruskin_: _The Seven Lamps of Architecture_.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading --_Ruskin_: _The Seven Lamps of Architecture_.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

plural of “signature” — your name written in your own handwriting

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

not in physical motion

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

a special situation

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

the act of adding a tinge of color

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

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

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.

(of a leaf shape) narrowly triangular, wider at the apex and tapering toward the base

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

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

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

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

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading (NOVEMBER) It is a noble thing for men ... to make the face of a wall look infinite, and its edge against the sky like an horizon; or even if less than this be reached, it is still delightful to mark the play of passing light on its broad surface, and to see by how many artifices and gradations of tinting and shadow, time and storm will set their wild signatures upon it.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALLS One of the most interesting things in this whole wonderful story of the life history of the world is how men were first able to read it at all.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Neither was it told in any one language so that getting hold of the thread of the story they could unravel it all, as other learned men did the picture writing of the Egyptians and the wedge-shaped marks on Assyrian bricks.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading For we know they didn't find it written out in plain print as we have it now.