Chapter XII

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

the state of being absent

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

possessive form of “arthur” — elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

shockingly brutal or cruel

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

having the shape or form of a circle

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

divisible by two

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

extremely annoying or displeasing

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

a social unit living together

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

plural of “fill” — a quantity sufficient to satisfy

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

plural of “fox” — alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

the act of giving

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

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

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

cause to move by striking

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

plural of “hyena” — doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

to an exceedingly great extent or degree

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

a message received and understood

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

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

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

and nothing more

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

immediately past

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

the literary culture

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

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 M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

of an obscure nature

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

not any; not one

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

and nothing more

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

plural of “rat” — any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

not used up

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

characterized by a lack of openness (especially about one's actions or purposes)

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

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

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

to the maximum degree

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

express in words

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no hope of his being uncomfortable on that tour; on the contrary, he was quite certain to enjoy it immensely.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

up to a particular time

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

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

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

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

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.

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

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading It was only from side-lights flashed from family and friendly letters that his wife could have enjoyed the just satisfaction of hearing that he was supremely uncomfortable in her absence; and even that was denied her, by reason of his perversity in remaining on that mysterious circular business tour, that never seemed to end, and respecting which he gave the most meagre information.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That is one of the irritating things in life--the supreme satisfaction with which business fills the male mind.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

plural of “wolf” — any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs

From this reading He could have carried foxes, wolves, hyenas, even rats, under his cloak, and let them gnaw him till his last gasp, without giving a sign.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading M. Isidore's Heartache It was among the many exasperating features in Arthur's character that you could never tell if a good, honest knock hit him hard or only just glided off him, so atrocious was the depth of his secretiveness and undemonstrativeness.