Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

in addition

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

expected hopefully

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

for the reason that

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

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

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

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

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

traveling across

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

perceived or discerned

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

any strong feeling

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

at any time

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

found in the ordinary course of events

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

have an existence, be extant

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

an entrance that can be closed by a gate

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

past form of “near” — move towards

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

not any; not one

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

and nothing more

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

salty fluid secreted by sweat glands

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

plural of “poster” — a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

on the contrary

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

-ing form of “recruit” — register formally as a participant or member

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

start suddenly, as from fright

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

having been made square

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

tending to suggest or imply

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

a source of difficulty

From this reading His face, however, betrayed a certain spiritual emotion not suggestive of anticipated trouble with employer or foreman.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

a storehouse for goods and merchandise

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

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

From this reading Though the dull morning was coldish, perspiration might have been detected on his forehead.

past form of “waver” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

which person or people

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Crossing the street, without glance to right or left, he increased his pace; also, he squared his shoulders and threw up his head with an air that might have been defiance at the fact of his being more than an hour late for his day's work.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, the familiar everyday duty had ceased to exist for him, and if his new exaltation wavered a little as he neared the warehouse, fifteen minutes later, it was only because he would have to explain things to the uncle who employed him, and to other people; and he was ever shy of speaking about himself.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading Through the gateway flanked by tall recruiting posters came rather hurriedly a youth of no great stature, but of sturdy build and comely enough countenance, including bright brown eyes and fresh complexion.