Chapter VI

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

later than; following

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

a line of approach

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

aroused or activated

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

a room (as in a residence) containing a bathtub or shower and usually a washbasin and toilet

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

a stick that people can lean on to help them walk

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting

From this reading He had picked up Farintosh in England as a sort of curio.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

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

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading He had picked up Farintosh in England as a sort of curio.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

to or in any or all places

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

elaborately or excessively ornamented

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

past form of “imprint” — establish or impress firmly in the mind

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

property that is leased or rented out or let

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

by chance

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

abnormally large

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

and nothing more

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

the largest ocean in the world

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading He had picked up Farintosh in England as a sort of curio.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

-ing form of “reserve” — hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading George had closed a lot of the rooms, cutting down the servants to four or five in number, reserving for himself only a sitting-room and a bedroom, a dressing-room and bathroom.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading He had picked up Farintosh in England as a sort of curio.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading He had picked up Farintosh in England as a sort of curio.

a manservant who acts as a personal attendant to his employer

From this reading This morning, the morning after the Jake business, he was awakened by a knock at the door and the entrance of his valet Farintosh.

past form of “view” — deem to be

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading JOE BARRETT The Du Cane house on Pacific Avenue was—is, in fact—a monstrous affair, at least viewed as the residence of a single man.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.

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

From this reading Old Harley’s tastes were big and florid and he had entertained on a large scale; at his death George would have sold or let the place, but something held him, maybe Harley’s ghost, for the old man’s personality was so strong that it had imprinted itself everywhere, so that to sell or let the place would, so George felt, have been equivalent almost to selling or letting the old man himself.