Chapter I

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group's business affairs)

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

(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 At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

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

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

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

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

having a high state of culture and development both social and technological

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

carefully weighed

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

being one more than seven

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

a person who tries to please or amuse

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

a zoologist who studies insects

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

causing envy

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

English lyric poet (1591-1674)

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

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

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

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

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

of great significance or value

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

plural of “incident” — a single distinct event

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

the act of departing

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The name of the young officer was Philip Tredennis.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading The name of the young officer was Philip Tredennis.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

on the contrary

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading At the Smithsonian and in all scientific circles, Professor Herrick's name was a familiar one.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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 Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading The name of the young officer was Philip Tredennis.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He was considered an enviable as well as an able man.

widely or fully known

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

which person or people

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading His relative and entertainer was a certain well-known entomologist, whom it will be safe to call Professor Herrick.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

a late time of life

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.

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

From this reading Eight years before the Administration rendered important by the series of events and incidents which form the present story, there had come to Washington, on a farewell visit to a distant relative with whom he was rather a favorite, a young officer who was on the point of leaving the civilized world for a far-away Western military station.