Chapter VI

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

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

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

a youthful male person

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

large brown aquatic larva of the dobsonfly; used as fishing bait

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

past form of “invade” — march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

supporting yourself on your knees

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

plural of “liberty” — immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

not any; not one

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor was that the only reason.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

and nothing more

From this reading Nor was that the only reason.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Nor was that the only reason.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

an educational institution

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.

carry out

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

a special situation

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading Some of them recognized that to do that might require more courage than to deal as he had done with those who had invaded his study--a moral courage, far greater and better than a physical; and they realized that a boy who possessed that courage was not a fit subject for stupid jokes.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

with vigor; in a vigorous manner

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

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

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

which person or people

From this reading A boy who could take his own part so vigorously was not the sort that it was safe to take liberties with.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AN EARLY MORNING SPIN It was quite a common thing for new boys at Marlthorpe College to be made the victims of practical jokes during their first night in the school; but such was the impression which Ralph Rexworth had made, that no tricks were attempted with him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading With Dobson and his friends it was quite sufficient, but with the better boys, that quiet kneeling down to pray had not been without effect.