Chapter XXXVIII · Chapter 38

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

be present or associated with an event or entity

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

later than; following

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

having help; often used as a combining form

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

(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 “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

superlative of “bold” — fearless and daring

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

demanding attention

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

in a gross manner

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

a strong current of air

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

for this reason

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

the state of being honored

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

a long loud emotional utterance

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

make a break in

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

engage in

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

a particular point in time

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

used to form the superlative

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE VAULT.

not any; not one

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

and nothing more

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

by chance

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

plural of “reverberation” — the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

done under pressure

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

plural of “speaker” — someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

sweep across or over

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE VAULT.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

in or at that place or location

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

an old word meaning “to that place”

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

An arched structure of masonry forming a ceiling, or a secure subterranean storage room.

From this reading THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE VAULT.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

look attentively

From this reading THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE VAULT.

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading There are many persons who waver about an enterprise, who will join it when it has a show of force, and thus was it with this affair.

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

at the time that

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

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

From this reading These were circumstances however, which greatly aided no doubt, in the getting up of a superstitious feeling in the minds of the people there assembled, which made them ripe for any proposition, which perhaps in their soberer moments they would have regarded with considerable dismay; hence when the blacksmith rushed to the door, crying,—

which person or people

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading “Who will follow me to the old church and lay hold of the vampyre?” about half-a-dozen of the boldest and most reckless,—and be it told to their honour (if there be any honour in such an enterprise, which after all, was a grossly selfish one,) they were the worst characters in the village—started to their feet to accompany him thither.

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

From this reading It was each moment becoming a more difficult affair to carry on any conversation in the public-house parlour, for not only did the thunder each moment almost interrupt the speakers with its loud reverberations, but now and then such a tremendous gust of wind would sweep round the house that it would be quite impossible for any one to make himself heard amidst its loud howling noise.