23 uses
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1 —4 uses as in:
keep your composure
Definition
to calm someone or settle something
- 'You will decide quickly,' said Mr. Brownlow, with perfect firmness and composure.Chapter 49 — Monks and Mr. Brownlow at Length Meet. Their Conversation.... (12% in)
- The girl laughed again: even less composedly than before; and, darting a hasty look at Sikes, turned her face aside, and bit her lip till the blood came.Chapter 16 — Relates What Became of Oliver Twist, After he had been.... (80% in)
- 'You don't want any beer,' said Nancy, folding her arms, and retaining her seat very composedly.Chapter 19 — In Which a Notable Plan is Discussed and Determined On (58% in)
- He remained silent for a few moments; and then, removing his hands suddenly from his face, showed, to the unspeakable discomposure of Mr. Bumble, that it was much distorted and discoloured.Chapter 38 — Containing an Account of What Passed Between Mr. and Mrs.... (32% in)
There are no more uses of "compose" flagged with this meaning in Oliver Twist.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —19 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Good to eat, Harry?' asked a grinning countryman, pointing to some composition-cakes in one corner.Chapter 48 — The Flight of Sikes (33% in)
- Of this festive composition each boy had one porringer, and no more—except on occasions of great public rejoicing, when he had two ounces and a quarter of bread besides.Chapter 2 — Treats of Oliver Twist's Growth, Education, and Board (82% in)
- The boys polished them with their spoons till they shone again; and when they had performed this operation (which never took very long, the spoons being nearly as large as the bowls), they would sit staring at the copper, with such eager eyes, as if they could have devoured the very bricks of which it was composed; employing themselves, meanwhile, in sucking their fingers most assiduously, with the view of catching up any stray splashes of gruel that might have been cast thereon.Chapter 2 — Treats of Oliver Twist's Growth, Education, and Board (84% in)
- 'Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly.Chapter 2 — Treats of Oliver Twist's Growth, Education, and Board (94% in)
- It was observable, too, that ladies and gentlemen who were in passions of anguish during the ceremony of interment, recovered almost as soon as they reached home, and became quite composed before the tea-drinking was over.Chapter 6 — Oliver, Being Goaded by the Taunts of Noah, Rouses into Action.... (20% in)
- 'And as I don't want 'em to, neither,' replied Nancy in the same composed manner, 'it's rather more no than yes with me, Bill.'Chapter 13 — Some New Acquaintances Are Introduced to the Intelligent.... (57% in)
- 'Well, well,' said the old gentleman, composing his features.Chapter 14 — Comprising Further Particulars of Oliver's Stay at Mr.... (30% in)
- Putting a glass of hot gin-and-water on the chimney-piece, he drew his chair to the fire; and, with sundry moral reflections on the too-prevalent sin of discontent and complaining, composed himself to read the paper.Chapter 17 — Oliver's Destiny Continuing Unpropitious, Brings a Great.... (63% in)
- Toby continued to eat with the utmost outward indifference, until he could eat no more; then, ordering the Dodger out, he closed the door, mixed a glass of spirits and water, and composed himself for talking.Chapter 25 — Wherein this History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company (88% in)
- 'One more,' pursued the beadle; 'compose your darling feelings for only one more.Chapter 27 — Atones for the Unpoliteness of a Former Chapter; Which.... (56% in)
- 'I says, at first, "This is illusion"; and was composing myself off to sleep, when I heerd the noise again, distinct.'Chapter 28 — Looks after Oliver, and Proceeds with His Adventures (64% in)
- The momentous interview was no sooner concluded, and Oliver composed to rest again, than the doctor, after wiping his eyes, and condemning them for being weak all at once, betook himself downstairs to open upon Mr. Giles.Chapter 30 — Relates What oliver's New Visitors Thought of Him (62% in)
- Oliver was surprised to see that as Mrs. Maylie said these words, she checked her lamentations as though by one effort; and drawing herself up as she spoke, became composed and firm.Chapter 33 — Wherein the Happiness of Oliver and His Friends, Experiences.... (36% in)
- 'You must compose yourself,' said the doctor supporting her.Chapter 33 — Wherein the Happiness of Oliver and His Friends, Experiences.... (97% in)
- 'Perhaps there may,' was the composed reply.Chapter 38 — Containing an Account of What Passed Between Mr. and Mrs.... (40% in)
- The Jew then, taking leave of his affectionate friend, returned homeward, attended by Nancy and the boys: Mr. Sikes, meanwhile, flinging himself on the bed, and composing himself to sleep away the time until the young lady's return.Chapter 39 — Introduces Some Respectable Characters with Whom the.... (40% in)
- ...friend indulging, as they went, in many witticisms at the expense of Mr. Chitling; in whose conduct, it is but justice to say, there was nothing very conspicuous or peculiar: inasmuch as there are a great number of spirited young bloods upon town, who pay a much higher price than Mr. Chitling for being seen in good society: and a great number of fine gentlemen (composing the good society aforesaid) who established their reputation upon very much the same footing as flash Toby Crackit.Chapter 39 — Introduces Some Respectable Characters with Whom the.... (50% in)
- 'This,' said the fellow, producing one, 'this is the infallible and invaluable composition for removing all sorts of stain, rust, dirt, mildew, spick, speck, spot, or spatter, from silk, satin, linen, cambric, cloth, crape, stuff, carpet, merino, muslin, bombazeen, or woollen stuff.Chapter 48 — The Flight of Sikes (34% in)
- Wine-stains, fruit-stains, beer-stains, water-stains, paint-stains, pitch-stains, any stains, all come out at one rub with the infallible and invaluable composition.Chapter 48 — The Flight of Sikes (36% in)
There are no more uses of "compose" in Oliver Twist.
Typical Usage
(best examples)