Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading --A sudden announcement.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

a formal public statement

From this reading --A sudden announcement.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

brought into existence

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

a distinguishing emblem

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

willing to entrust personal matters

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

plural of “die” — a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

divisible by two

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

third-person singular of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

with resolute determination

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

yet to be or coming

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

death of a person

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

press or grind with a crushing noise

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

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

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

without limits in extent or size or quantity

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

plural of “map” — a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

the force of workers available

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

a particular point in time

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

not any; not one

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

make less visible or unclear

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

above and across; more than

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

except for; apart from

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

continuously varying

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading --A sudden announcement.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

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

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

under normal conditions

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading Mr. Vance explains how he came to grind colours and save half-pence.

a person given to fanciful speculations and enthusiasms with little regard for what is actually possible

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

plural of “vista” — the visual percept of a region

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

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

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

at the time that

From this reading "There is so much power in faith," said Lionel, "even when faith is applied but to things human and earthly, that let a man be but firmly persuaded that he is born to do, some day, what at the moment seems impossible, and it is fifty to one but what he does it before he dies.

during the time that

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The meal was over; the table had been spread by a window that looked upon the river.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

but in spite of that

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading The moon was up: the young men asked for no other lights; conversation between them--often shifting, often pausing--had gradually become grave, as it usually does with two companions in youth; while yet long vistas in the Future stretch before them deep in shadow, and they fall into confiding talk on what they wish,--what they fear; making visionary maps in that limitless Obscure.