1806
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
18th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
35th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
BIRTHDAYnounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
blossomedverbUS /ˈblɑːsəmd/
past form of “blossom” — produce or yield flowers
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
a youthful male person
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
congratulationsnounUS /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/
an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
CottonnounUS /ˈkɑːtən/
soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
dearly loved
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
embarkverbUS /emˈbɑːrk/
go on board
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
ensigncy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
Eton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
exeat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
fifth-form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
formidable-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
fortnight's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
genuineadjectiveUS /ˈdʒenjəwən/
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
handingverbUS /ˈhændɪŋ/
-ing form of “hand” — place into the hands or custody of
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
headquartersnounUS /ˈhedkwɔːrtərz/
(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
where you live at a particular time
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
having much knowledge or education
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
KnounUS /keɪ/
the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
lamentationsnoun
an Old Testament book lamenting the desolation of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC; traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
Majesty'snounUS /ˈmædʒəstiz/
possessive form of “majesty” — impressiveness in scale or proportion
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
MESSINAnounUS /mɪˈsiːnə/
a port city in northeastern Sicily on the Strait of Messina
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
modestynounUS /ˈmɑːdəsti/
freedom from vanity or conceit
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
a particular point in time
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
not any; not one
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/
recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
returnsnounUS /rɪˈtɜːrnz/
plural of “return” — document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading It was a proud moment, and I cannot recall any event in my life that has caused me greater satisfaction.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
seventeenthadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the sixteenth in position
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
SicilynounUS /ˈsɪsəli/
the Italian region on the island of Sicily
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
term of address for a man
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
subalternnoun
a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
happening unexpectedly
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
There's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
male cat
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
WARSnounUS /wɔːrz/
plural of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
at the time that
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
hope for; have a wish
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I received the congratulations of my parents and sisters--I had no brother--with becoming modesty; but the congratulations of the ladies were turned into lamentations when Sir John informed us that I was to embark, to join headquarters in Sicily, in a fortnight's time.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading I had that day attained my seventeenth year, and was at home on a short _exeat_ from Eton; but now Eton would know me no more--at least, not as a fifth-form boy--for had I not suddenly blossomed into a subaltern in his Majesty's service?
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading A BIRTHDAY PRESENT--OFF TO THE WARS--AN ADVENTURE AT MESSINA "Tom, my dear boy," said my father, Colonel Sir John Cotton, K.B., as he entered the breakfast room on the morning of the 18th September 1806, "I wish you many happy returns of to-day.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading There's a present which will give you genuine pleasure," he went on, handing me a formidable-looking letter; "it is your appointment to an ensigncy in my old regiment, the gallant 35th."
