Chapter XIX

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

(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 He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

show off

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

past form of “boast” — show off

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

a dissolute character in Shakespeare's plays

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

a social unit living together

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

of or relating to or characteristic of feudalism

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

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

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

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

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

a mountainous region of northern Scotland famous for its rugged beauty; known for the style of dress (the kilt and tartan) and the clan system (now in disuse)

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

a landowner

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

immediately past

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

so as to arouse or deserve laughter

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

not any; not one

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

sticking out; protruding

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

and nothing more

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

in an original manner

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

the descendants of one individual

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

plural of “proprietor” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading He was extremely poor, but was extremely proud, and, having no money to boast of, he boasted all the more of his “lang pedigree.”

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

an antiquity that has survived from the distant past

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

a person who represents others

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

the Scots' term for an English person

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

term of address for a man

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

past form of “style” — designate by an identifying term

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading Francis—our hero—was the last relic of the ancient, stern, feudal system.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

dressed in trousers

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading The Macnabs were originally the proprietors of extensive estates in the Highlands of Perthshire, and were sometimes styled “The Macnabs of Auchlyne,” at other times “The Macnabs of Bovain,” “The Macnabs of Kinnell,” and “The Macnabs of Glendochart.”

which person or people

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

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

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.

wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction

From this reading His obtrusive peculiarities were pride of family antiquity and rank, and a withering scorn of the trousered Sassenach.

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading THE LAIRD O’ MACNAB No collection of the national humours could be regarded as representative or complete that did not contain more than a passing reference to the Laird of Macnab, who was the hero of many a ludicrously funny story, and who, like Sir John Falstaff, was not only witty himself, but frequently the cause of wit in others.