Chapter IV

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

(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 CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field of art or philosophy

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

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

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

determine the essential quality of

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

an abstract part of something

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

at any time

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

without moderation; in an immoderate manner

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

without bounds

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

lacking natural ease

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

engage in

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

and nothing more

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

past form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

third-person singular of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

To recall to mind.

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

Identical; not different.

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

giving satisfaction

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

inspiring awe

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

of or relating to or involving or used in surgery

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The famous Sydney Smith did not admit that such an element obtained in our “puir cauld country.”

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

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

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

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

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

precisely as stated

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

(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 Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading It has been presumed that the witty Canon was not serious in his remark; that it was a laboured effort of his to make a joke.

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

From this reading Further to this, the same sublime authority declared that it would require a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading CHARACTERISTICS OF SCOTCH HUMOUR Various writers have attempted to define Scotch humour, but it is a difficult task, and in all my reading of the subject I do not remember to have ever seen a very satisfactory analysis of the subtle quantity.

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

From this reading “Their only idea of wit which prevails occasionally in the North,” said he, “and which, under the name of ‘wut,’ is so infinitely distressing to people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at stated intervals.”