Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

anew

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

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

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

inflected form of “bear” — have

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

(British colloquial) not inclined to conversation

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

take exception to

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

plural of “comment” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

select by a vote for an office or membership

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

hold firmly

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

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

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

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

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

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

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

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

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

in a humble manner

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

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

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

-ing form of “inflate” — exaggerate or make bigger

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

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

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

immediately past

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

held up in the air

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

plural of “meeting” — a formally arranged gathering

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

an understanding of something that is not correct

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

putting the wrong interpretation on

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

a form of address for a man

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

accept an excuse for

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

approval to do something

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

give an incentive for action

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

express in words

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

only a very short time before

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

term of address for a man

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

past form of “solicit” — make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

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

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

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

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

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

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “What I have to say must be said before these gentlemen,” he began slowly.

at the time that

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.

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

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

any one of a set, it does not matter which

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

pull back or move away or backward

From this reading I think,” he added, slightly inflating his buttoned-up figure, “that the reputation I have always borne in--er--meetings of this kind will prevent any--er--misunderstanding of my present action--which is to--er--ask permission to withdraw my challenge--and to humbly beg your pardon.”

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

From this reading As Mr. Hamlin would have advanced from the group, Colonel Starbottle lifted his hand deprecatingly.

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

From this reading The astonishment produced by this unexpected apology, and Mr. Hamlin's prompt grasp of the colonel's hand, had scarcely passed before the colonel drew himself up again, and turning to his second said, “And now I am at the service of Judge Beeswinger and Mr. Wynyard--whichever may elect to honor me first.”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Mr. Hamlin--sir! when I solicited the honor of this meeting I was under a grievous misapprehension of the intent and purpose of your comments on my action last evening.