used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
(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 During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
any thing at all
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
attendingnounUS /əˈtendɪŋ/
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
have
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
give encouragement to
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
courtedverbUS /ˈkɔːrtɪd/
past form of “court” — make amorous advances towards
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
diseasesnounUS /dɪˈziːzəz/
plural of “disease” — an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
drownverbUS /draʊn/
cover completely or make imperceptible
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
enlivenverbUS /enˈlaɪvən/
heighten or intensify
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
the organ of sight
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
fortitudenounUS /ˈfɔːrtɪtuːd/
strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
brought together in one place
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
depressingly dark
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
hospitalsnounUS /ˈhɑːspɪtəlz/
plural of “hospital” — a health facility where patients receive treatment
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
incarcerationnounUS /ˌɪnkɑːrsərˈeɪʃən/
the state of being imprisoned
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
inmatesnounUS /ˈɪnmeɪts/
plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
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 Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
mitigateverbUS /ˈmɪtəɡeɪt/
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
obscuredverbUS /əbsˈkjʊrd/
past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
rotundanounUS /roʊˈtʌndə/
a building having a circular plan and a dome
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
SalomenounUS /səˈloʊmi/
woman whose dancing beguiled Herod into giving her the head of John the Baptist
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
in an aggressive manner
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
sightsnounUS /saɪts/
an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
stroveverbUS /stroʊv/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was making a special study of diseases of the eye, ear, and brain, besides attending to some regular duties in one of the hospitals.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
hard to endure
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
precisely as stated
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
at the time that
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading One wet, dreary afternoon, when thick clouds obscured the sky and a cold rain beat sharply against the windows of the ward, which was unusually dark and gloomy, Salome gathered the restless inmates of the room beneath the rotunda, and tried to cheer and enliven them by relating an interesting story.
Winthrop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During all this time Dr. Winthrop was very busy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He courted labor, study, excitement—anything, in fact that would help him to drown his own troubles, and keep him from thinking of the past.
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading Meantime, Salome was trying to bear with what patience and fortitude she could, her cruel incarceration and the sad sights which daily came under her observation, while she strove to do what she was able to mitigate the wretched condition of many of her companions.
