Chapter XX

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

(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 And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

in an audacious manner

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

plural of “beadle” — a minor parish official who serves a ceremonial function

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

the ritual placing of a corpse in a grave

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

harsh or corrosive in tone

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

plural of “composition” — the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

the property of holding together and retaining its shape

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

in or to another place

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

giving spirit and vivacity

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

terse and witty and like a maxim

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

plural of “epitaph” — an inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

at any time

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

not serious in content or attitude or behavior

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

death of a person

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

immediately past

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

for more time

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

used to form the superlative

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

not any; not one

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

plural of “ordinance” — an authoritative rule

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

by chance

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

plural of “pun” — a humorous play on words

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

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

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

plural of “tomb” — a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

expressing or given to expressing the truth

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Like the dry and caustic humour of the Scottish beadles, to which, in essence and order they are nearly related, humorous and curious epitaphs no longer prevail amongst us.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

in the company of; together with

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The wonder is that they ever obtained favour at all, here or elsewhere.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

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

From this reading KIRKYARD HUMOUR “God’s acre” should be about the last place in the world to which any mind blessed with an average sense of consistency, not to employ a stronger term, would turn with deliberate purpose in search of entertainment of a frivolous and amusing character.

but in spite of that

From this reading And yet, paradoxical as it may appear, the most serious of all events, solemn of all ordinances, and weird of all situations—death, burial, and the grave—have been the subjects of the most mirth-provoking puns and jokes; whilst some of the wittiest and most audaciously sarcastic of epigrammatic compositions are among those which have been discovered among the tombs in the silent cities of the dead.

past form of “yield” — be the cause or source of

From this reading This is not to be regretted, for they have yielded to a more decorous, if perhaps less truthful and enlivening order of things.