Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

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

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

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

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

without a doubt

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

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

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

terminate

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

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

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

past form of “clamp” — fasten or fix with a clamp

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

the official name of some states in the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kentucky) and associated territories (Puerto Rico)

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

dearly loved

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

at any time

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

(of e.g. fabric design) adorned with patterns

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

a man of refinement

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

plural of “governor” — the head of a state government

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

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

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

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

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

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

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

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

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

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

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

staying power

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

people who are wounded

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

a state in New England; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

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

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

plural of “record” — anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

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

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

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

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

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

From this reading "According to the most authentic records, my dear children," said Grandfather, "the chair, about this time, had the misfortune to break its leg.

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

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

precisely as stated

From this reading "Here is the very leg that was broken!" exclaimed Charley, throwing himself down on the floor to look at it.

a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

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

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Being therefore sold at auction,—alas! what a vicissitude for a chair that had figured in such high company, our venerable friend was knocked down to a certain Captain John Hull.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This old gentleman, on carefully examining the maimed chair, discovered that its broken leg might be clamped with iron and made as serviceable as ever."

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

From this reading It was probably on account of this accident, that it ceased to be the seat of the governors of Massachusetts; for, assuredly, it would have been ominous of evil to the commonwealth, if the Chair of State had tottered upon three legs.