Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

later than; following

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

(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 same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

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

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

past form of “blurt” — utter impulsively

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

utter a cry, characteristic of crows, rooks, or ravens

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

to an extreme degree

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

largest city in Scotland; a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland; one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

in a hopeless manner

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

enclosed in the same envelope or package

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

brought about or caused; not spontaneous

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

harmed

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

similar in quality or character

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

go away from a place

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

and nothing more

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

not any; not one

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

out of fashion

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

on one occasion

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

above and across; more than

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

owed as a debt

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

without much difficulty

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

a building where people go to eat

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the shore of a sea or ocean regarded as a resort

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

of superior grade

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

detached by cutting

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

for a short time

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

the state of being asleep

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

from that place or that time

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

plural of “tie” — neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

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

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

create by training and teaching

From this reading But he insisted on sleeping in his own bed, and accordingly, there being no steamer connection at so late an hour, it was his custom to return by train to Helensburgh and thence complete the journey in his car which he drove himself, reaching home shortly after midnight.

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading Dr. Handyside was too fond of his easy-going seaside existence to be readily induced to leave home.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

during the time that

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

which person or people

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading But we are never too old to worry over trifles, and in the course of the morning, while in the garage, he blurted out the difficulty to Caw.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

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

From this reading At the same time, he had not severed all ties with Glasgow, which ties included a select coterie of kindred spirits who dined together once a month during the winter in a somewhat old-fashioned restaurant; and he would have been exceedingly loth to miss one of their cosy gatherings.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.

but in spite of that

From this reading To-night's dinner, however, had seemed hopelessly beyond his reach, owing to his injured foot, which as yet merely allowed him to hobble a few yards, and which would have been worse than useless in driving.