Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

later than; following

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

(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 He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

the formal act of approving

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

-ing form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

for this reason

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

a regular customer

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

for each

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

squeeze tightly between the fingers

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

plural of “protege” — a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers the protege's career

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

plural of “speculator” — someone who makes conjectures without knowing the facts

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading "Poolum per hostes mercurius celer, Denso paventem sustulit aere."

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Poole was therefore basking in the light of his gentle helpmate's approving smile.

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

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

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading MERCURY IS THE PATRON DEITY OF MERCANTILE SPECULATORS, AS WELL AS OF CRACK-BRAINED POETS; INDEED, HE IS MUCH MORE FAVOURABLE, MORE A FRIEND AT A PINCH, TO THE FORMER CLASS OF HIS PROTEGES THAN HE IS TO THE LATTER.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Poole was sitting with his wife after dinner.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

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

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!

a late time of life

From this reading He had made a good speculation that day; little Johnny would be all the better for it a few years hence, and some other man's little Johnnys all the worse--but each for himself in this world!