Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Strangers at Lisconnel
Strangers at Lisconnel

Chapter VII

Cover illustration for Strangers at Lisconnel
Context Illustration Reading 1/63 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.
Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.
Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.
But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.
These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Strangers at Lisconnel

Chapter VII

Reading 1/63 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.
Line 2
Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.
Line 3
Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.
Line 4
But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.
Line 5
These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Although noun US /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Express verb US /ɪkˈspres/

to show or communicate a feeling or idea

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Foot noun US /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Hence adverb US /hens/

for this reason

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Neither determiner US /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading “But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Step noun US /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.”

Virtue noun US /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.”

All words in this reading · 141

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

advice

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

air

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

all

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

appeared

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

assembly

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Bessie

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

black-and-white

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

bleak

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

business

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

CAUSA

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

company

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

contemporary

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

counsel

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

craters

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

crisis

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

day

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

died

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

discuss

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

domestic

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Dooleys

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

doors

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

encouraged

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

errand

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

esteemed

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

evening

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/

to show or communicate a feeling or idea

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

family

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Felix

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

flakes

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

footnounUS /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

forge

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

friendly

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

gave

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

guests

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

HenceadverbUS /hens/

for this reason

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

HONORIS

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

house

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

how

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

indeed

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

invitation

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

judgment

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

junior

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

keep

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Kilfoyle

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

Kilfoyle's

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

knew

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

lay

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

Lisconnel

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

man

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

matter

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

merely

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Mr

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

much

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

neighbours

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

notably

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

notwithstanding

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

O'Beirne

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

O'Beirnes

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

often

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

old

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

opinion

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

out

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

Paddy

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

pair

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

Polymathers

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

present

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

prodded

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

purpose

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

received

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

road

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

round

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

Ryan

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

sake

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

sense

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

serious

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

shrewd

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

snow

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

some

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

stepnounUS /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

stick

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

Terence

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

then

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

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

thick

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

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

ties

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But then neither he nor the neighbours knew how often he took and gave Bessie Kilfoyle's advice.

two

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

very

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

wake

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

wild

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

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.

wished

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

From this reading Not at a wake, however the purpose of their assembly was to discuss a serious business matter, upon which old Felix O'Beirne wished for friendly counsel.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hence his contemporary, old Paddy Ryan, had prodded little round craters in the snow with his thick stick all along the good step of bleak road which lay between his house and the forge, and with him had come on the same errand Terence Kilfoyle, who, although of so much junior standing, was esteemed as a man of notably shrewd sense and judgment.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading These two were present by express invitation, but another pair of guests, the Dooleys, would never have been asked for the sake of their opinion, which they were indeed encouraged to keep to themselves, and appeared at this domestic crisis merely by virtue of family ties.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading HONORIS CAUSA The evening of the day after Mr. Polymathers died was a very wild black-and-white one out of doors all round Lisconnel, yet, notwithstanding the flakes in the air and under foot, the O'Beirnes had received some company.