Chapter XI

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

(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 STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

any thing at all

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

for the most part

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

express strong disapproval of

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the act of digging

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

a longing for something better than the present situation

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

made less hopeful or enthusiastic

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

remove or force out from a position

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

doubt about someone's honesty

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

someone who uses a divining rod to find underground water

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

an udder or breast or teat

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

one or the other of two

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

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

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

plural of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

at ease in talking to others

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

set up or found

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

past form of “grumble” — show one's unhappiness or critical attitude

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

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

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

for this reason

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

of the present time and place

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

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

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

engage in

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the force of workers available

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

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

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

as might be expected

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

an old word for “no”

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

not any; not one

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

plural of “novice” — someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

on one occasion

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

and nothing more

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

past form of “originate” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

spoil as if by poison

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

with low volume

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

carry out

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

in or at that place or location

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

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

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

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

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

by bad luck

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

precisely as stated

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading These new wells were on the higher ground above the village, and naturally water was to be found there only at a deeper level; but these men either would not or could not take this in.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading And so it was that the men at the railway well, when they had dug to the depth of nearly fifty feet and had found no water, began to get impatient and disheartened.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

any shape that is triangular in cross section

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Two of them had had very little experience whatever in the work, and like all novices, they looked for immediate results; and when these were not forthcoming, they grumbled at the dowser, their employers, and everything else.

at the time that

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading Most of the wells in Willowton were not more than thirty or forty feet deep, and were fed, of course, chiefly by surface drainage; hence their deadly poison.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.

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

From this reading THE STRIKE AT THE WELL One would have thought that so excellent a work as the digging of the wells would be allowed to go on quietly, but unfortunately the fact that the scheme happened to have been originated by the vicar and the doctor was enough to make some people condemn it; and we all know, when once the thin end of the wedge of discontent and distrust has forced its way into anything, how difficult--nay, how often impossible--it is to dislodge it.