Chapter IX

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

in actual fact

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

have an effect upon

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

(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 Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

have

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

for the reason that

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

in deplorable condition

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

for the most part

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

the act of conquering

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

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

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

without deviation

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

only a very short time before

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

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

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

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

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

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

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

something that is lost

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

come together

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

a form of address for a man

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

a city in northeastern France in Lorraine

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

not any; not one

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

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

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

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

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

above and across; more than

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

a companion at play

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

To recall to mind.

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

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

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

have in common

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

a protective covering or structure

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

agitating a liquid with an implement

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

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

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

a special situation

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

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

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

not injured or harmed

From this reading IN PORT 'If conquering and unhurt I came Back from the battle-field, It is because thy prayers have been My safeguard and my shield.'--A. A. PROCTER.

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

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading And meanwhile how had it been at Oakfield, little Oakfield, which had its share in the joys and sorrows of those stirring times?

which person or people

From this reading Angel and Betty could hardly remember afterwards exactly how they heard the news; it seemed to be all over the place directly, and no one could have said who actually told it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading And indeed with Angel it was so much more natural to think of other people first that she seemed to feel Godfrey's loss chiefly in the way in which it would affect them all--Cousin Crayshaw, who had had to meet the first shock of the news; poor old Penny; Nancy, who had been his playfellow; Betty above all, who had said she could never bear it if Godfrey died for his country.

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

From this reading But it was Mr. Crayshaw who brought it--poor Mr. Crayshaw, so aged and altered and broken-down that to care for him and comfort him seemed the first thing his two young cousins had to do and to think of.