Chapter XV

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading FINANCE AND “FINESSE.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

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

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

plural of “director” — someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

remove the dust from

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

the overhang at the lower edge of a roof

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

the commercial activity of providing funds and capital

From this reading FINANCE AND “FINESSE.”

involving financial matters

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

subtly skillful handling of a situation

From this reading FINANCE AND “FINESSE.”

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

in a joyous manner

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

not any; not one

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

plural of “pavement” — the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

to a great degree

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

plural of “speculator” — someone who makes conjectures without knowing the facts

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

the season of growth

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

past form of “subside” — wear off or die down

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

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

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

unsteady in gait as from infirmity or old age

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading It brought no comfort to unhappy speculators and tottering houses of trade.

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

in a vacant manner

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

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

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds

From this reading The city sparrows shambled from under the eaves, and rolled themselves in the dust of the great city, and street boys whistled merrily along the hard pavements; but great merchants held down their heads, directors of companies hurried to and fro with great secrets in their hearts that troubled them sorely; countrymen stared vacantly up at offices and banks that were closed and marked “To Let.”

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The spring did not bring happy days with it in the city of London.

but in spite of that

From this reading The south wind had no influence on that financial storm which had not yet subsided.