used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the state of being absent
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
(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 Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
Asgill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
behoved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
commandernounUS /kəˈmændər/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
conjunctionsnounUS /kənˈdʒʌŋkʃənz/
plural of “conjunction” — the temporal property of two things happening at the same time
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
cursedadjectiveUS /kɜːrst/
deserving a curse; sometimes used as an intensifier
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
one or the other of two
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
Flavia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
engage in
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
McMurrough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
menaceverbUS /ˈmenəs/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
a particular point in time
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
nailsnounUS /neɪlz/
plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
outflankedverbUS /aʊtˈflæŋkt/
past form of “outflank” — go around the flank of (an opposing army)
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
Payton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
peat-stack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
perplexitynounUS /pərˈpleksəti/
trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
with speed
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
re-form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
cut with a saw
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
having a supporting base
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
SullivannounUS /ˈsʌləvən/
United States architect known for his steel framed skyscrapers and for coining the phrase “form follows function” (1856-1924)
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
carry out
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In addition, the absence of James McMurrough at this critical moment left Asgill in the most painful perplexity.
(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
UnderprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
nonexistent
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
at the time that
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
which person or people
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
belonging to which person
From this reading THE SCENE IN THE PASSAGE Asgill saw himself in the position of a commander whose force has been outflanked, and who has to decide on the instant how he may best re-form it on a new front.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading Flavia and Colonel Sullivan, Flavia and Payton, Payton and Colonel Sullivan--each of these conjunctions had for him a separate menace; each threatened either his suit for Flavia, or his standing in the house through which, and through which alone, he could hope to win her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Under the shadow of the great peat-stack at the back of the house, whither he had retired that he might make up his mind before he faced the three, Asgill bit his nails and cursed The McMurrough with all his heart, calling him a score of names, each worse than the other.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If James knew what had happened, why was he wanting at this moment, when it behoved them to decide, and to decide quickly, what line they would take?
