Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

the action of accomplishing something

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

how long something has existed

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

in the past

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

affected manners intended to impress others

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

the condition of living or the state of being alive

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

third-person singular of “apologise” — defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

completely happy and contented

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

the process of decomposing organic matter (as in sewage) by bacteria or by chemical action or heat

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

position 80 in a countable series of things

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

first in order of birth

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

past form of “encounter” — come together

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

past form of “enfeeble” — make weak

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

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

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

a social unit living together

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

without fault or error

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a high-pitched woodwind instrument; a slender tube closed at one end with finger holes on one end and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

set up or found

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

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

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

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

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

and nothing more

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a room where books are kept

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a form of address for a man

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

out of fashion

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

above and across; more than

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

past form of “pipe” — utter a shrill cry

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a thin strip of covered cord used to edge hems

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

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

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

absentminded dreaming while awake

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

restored to consciousness or life or vigor

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

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

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere; usually drunk as an aperitif

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

the state of being asleep

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

in the near future

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

not in physical motion

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

in or at that place or location

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

not set afire or burning

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

still full

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

precisely as stated

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading That youth was now more vivid to his requickened memory than the present was to his enfeebled faculties.

Risen from sleep; conscious.

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

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

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

at the time that

From this reading Mr. Bleeker, with an untouched glass of sherry at his elbow and an unlighted cigar in his hand, sank back into the placid after-dinner reverie which is found in the rare cases when old age has encountered a faultless digestion.

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

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

during the time that

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

Irish writer and wit (1854-1900)

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

in the company of; together with

From this reading APOLOGISES FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED ATMOSPHERE As soon as dinner was over Uncle Percival retired with Mr. Bleeker into the library, from which retreat there issued immediately the shrill piping of the flute.

a late time of life

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

but in spite of that

From this reading The happiest part of his life was spent in the pleasant state between waking and sleeping, while as yet the flavour of his favourite dishes still lingered in his mouth--just as the most blissful moments known to Uncle Percival were those in which he piped his cherished airs upon his antiquated instrument.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading The eldest member of the Wilde family was very old indeed--had in fact successfully rounded some years ago the critical point of his eightieth birthday, and there was the zest of a second childhood in the animation with which he had revived the single accomplishment of his early youth.