Chapter XXI

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

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

how long something has existed

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

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

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

having help; often used as a combining form

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

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

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

agreeably diverting

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

having lost freshness or brilliance of color

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

for a limitless time

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

with official authorization

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

destroyed or killed

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

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

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

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

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

past form of “incite” — give an incentive for action

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

showing lack of due respect or veneration

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

and nothing more

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

in a relaxed manner; not rigid

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

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

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

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

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

shaken into waves or undulations as by wind

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

past form of “tarnish” — make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

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

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

from that circumstance or source

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

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

From this reading RIVALS MEETING Revere reached the house just as the carriage drew up before the door.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading The lace was faded and tarnished, and the coat hung loosely enough about his thin and shrunken figure; but the ancient uniform seemed to mark the age of the old man, typifying that past, forever gone, of which he had been so splendid a figure.

(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 The huge chapeau, the high stock, the ruffled shirt, the tight breeches, and the half-boots might have incited laughter in the irreverent; but to Richard and his mother, and to Josephine as well, they seemed entirely appropriate.

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

From this reading He assisted his mother and Josephine to descend therefrom, and the two ladies walked up the steps to the porch and were formally presented to the old admiral.

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

From this reading In honor of the occasion, for, as he said, he did not often have the privilege of entertaining guests of such distinction, the veteran had dressed himself in the old uniform in which he had fought his battles.