Chapter XVI

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

(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 The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

inherent ability

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

without regard to specific details or exceptions

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

navigational instrument for finding directions

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

third-person singular of “consist” — originate

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

causing one to believe what is not true or fail to believe what is true

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

-ing form of “effect” — produce

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

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

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

reproduce someone's behavior or looks

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the act of mimicking; imitative behavior

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

-ing form of “modify” — make less severe or harsh or extreme

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

not any; not one

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

under normal conditions

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

music arranged in parts for several voices or instruments

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the possibility of future success

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

plural of “seek” — the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk

From this reading He must become familiar with the models he seeks to imitate.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

deliver by singing

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

with skill

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

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

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

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

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

someone new to a field or activity

From this reading If, in addition to these, the tyro show any aptitude for acting and mimicry, there is prospect of his becoming an expert performer.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

the art of projecting your voice so that it seems to come from another source (as from a ventriloquist's dummy)

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

a performer who projects the voice into a wooden dummy

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Broadly speaking, ventriloquism consists in a close imitation of sound _as it falls upon the ear_, the ventriloquist effecting this by skilfully modifying the cavity of the mouth in such a way as to give his voice a deceptive character.

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

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

in the company of; together with

From this reading VENTRILOQUISM AND POLYPHONY $Ventriloquism.$--Ventriloquism is no more a gift than is the ability to talk or sing; it does not depend on any peculiar formation of the throat; it is, in fact, an art which can be acquired by almost any one possessing a voice of average compass (some twelve notes), together with an ordinarily good ear for music.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The young ventriloquist must study all sorts and conditions of sounds and voices _as they fall on the ear_.