Meaning of Custom in this sentence

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7















In the following sentence what does 'Custom' actually mean?




Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it.




I know custom means usual practice and tradition but it doesn't seem to mean that here.



Reference:
This sentence is taken from the first chapter, second paragraph of Sherlock Holmes: Sign of Four.










share|improve this question




























    7















    In the following sentence what does 'Custom' actually mean?




    Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it.




    I know custom means usual practice and tradition but it doesn't seem to mean that here.



    Reference:
    This sentence is taken from the first chapter, second paragraph of Sherlock Holmes: Sign of Four.










    share|improve this question


























      7












      7








      7








      In the following sentence what does 'Custom' actually mean?




      Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it.




      I know custom means usual practice and tradition but it doesn't seem to mean that here.



      Reference:
      This sentence is taken from the first chapter, second paragraph of Sherlock Holmes: Sign of Four.










      share|improve this question
















      In the following sentence what does 'Custom' actually mean?




      Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it.




      I know custom means usual practice and tradition but it doesn't seem to mean that here.



      Reference:
      This sentence is taken from the first chapter, second paragraph of Sherlock Holmes: Sign of Four.







      meaning-in-context word-meaning






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Jan 19 at 8:50









      Nathan Tuggy

      9,12693452




      9,12693452










      asked Jan 19 at 8:15









      Raina AliRaina Ali

      513




      513




















          4 Answers
          4






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          7














          'Custom', as you indicated, is often used to talk about traditional practices or behaviours. For example:




          • It is a wide-spread custom in most Christian countries to exchange gifts on or around Christmas Day.


          • It is a custom in many countries for businessmen to shake hands when they meet.




          However, 'custom' can also be used to describe the unique habits or behaviours of a single person or a small group of people. For example:




          • It was his custom to bring home flowers for his wife at the end of each week.


          • Joe and his friends went surfing at the weekend, as was their custom.




          In your case, the author has witnessed a particular performance 'three times a day for many months'. So, it is reasonable enough for us to say that it was the author's custom to witness this performance three times a day. However, in spite of this custom, the author was unable to reconcile his mind to it.






          share|improve this answer






























            2














            The meaning of custom here is:




            [Merriam-Webster]



            1 c : repeated practice

            // Custom makes all things easy.





            The meaning of reconciled in this sentence is unclear as there is no context and there are several possibilities that could fit:




            [Merriam-Webster]



            1 b : SETTLE, RESOLVE

            // reconcile differences
            2 : to make consistent or congruous

            // reconcile an ideal with reality
            3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant

            // was reconciled to hardship




            So, there is something about the performance that doesn't make sense (either internal to the performance or in its relationship to reality) or something about it that is unpleasant to witness.




            In any case, you can paraphrase the sentence in this way:




            Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but no matter how many times I saw it, I couldn't (accept, understand, or enjoy) what I saw.







            share|improve this answer






























              2














              In this case, 'custom' means familiarity. If you do something often enough, regularly enough, even if that thing is initially traumatising or shocking or disgusting or concerning (like watching your friend shoot up drugs), you 'get used' to it - you become desensitised.



              Imagine if you had a new roommate who, say, cut their toenails every night in front of the telly, you might find it absolutely disgusting, and be certain that no one could convince you otherwise. But fast forward 3 months and you might not even notice it any more. And the housemate would certainly find it a bit strange if you suddenly started yelling at them about it, after 3 months of silence.



              In the story of your quote, Watson has watched Holmes shoot up drugs every night for three months, yet it still annoys him as much as the first time. This surprises Watson because in any other situation he would have either been spurred to speak up and protest / make a comment by now, or alternatively, just tolerate it as part of life with Holmes.



              Reading the full context of this sentence (or even just the next sentence) immediately clears up any doubt and may be of interest to the other valiant answer-ers.



              FULL CONTEXT: (from https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75si/chap01.html )




              Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece,
              and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long,
              white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle and rolled back
              his left shirtcuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully
              upon the sinewy forearm and wrist, all dotted and scarred with
              innumerable puncture-marks. Finally, he thrust the sharp point home,
              pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined
              armchair with a long sigh of satisfaction.



              Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it. On the contrary, from
              day to day I had become more irritable at the sight, and my
              conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked
              the courage to protest. Again and again I had registered a vow that I
              should deliver my soul upon the subject; but there was that in the
              cool, nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with
              whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. His
              great powers, his masterly manner, and the experience which I had had
              of his many extraordinary qualities, all made me diffident and
              backward in crossing him.







              share|improve this answer


















              • 1





                People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                – David K
                Jan 19 at 19:13


















              0














              The straight forward meaning in this sentence is "repetition" so: "but repetition had not reconciled my mind to it".



              But by using custom the writer also manages to convey ideas about it being the "custom" of the people that are being witnessed and hints that this was something that the witness could not become "accustomed" to.






              share|improve this answer























              • Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                – David K
                Jan 19 at 19:06










              Your Answer








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              4 Answers
              4






              active

              oldest

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              4 Answers
              4






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

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              7














              'Custom', as you indicated, is often used to talk about traditional practices or behaviours. For example:




              • It is a wide-spread custom in most Christian countries to exchange gifts on or around Christmas Day.


              • It is a custom in many countries for businessmen to shake hands when they meet.




              However, 'custom' can also be used to describe the unique habits or behaviours of a single person or a small group of people. For example:




              • It was his custom to bring home flowers for his wife at the end of each week.


              • Joe and his friends went surfing at the weekend, as was their custom.




              In your case, the author has witnessed a particular performance 'three times a day for many months'. So, it is reasonable enough for us to say that it was the author's custom to witness this performance three times a day. However, in spite of this custom, the author was unable to reconcile his mind to it.






              share|improve this answer



























                7














                'Custom', as you indicated, is often used to talk about traditional practices or behaviours. For example:




                • It is a wide-spread custom in most Christian countries to exchange gifts on or around Christmas Day.


                • It is a custom in many countries for businessmen to shake hands when they meet.




                However, 'custom' can also be used to describe the unique habits or behaviours of a single person or a small group of people. For example:




                • It was his custom to bring home flowers for his wife at the end of each week.


                • Joe and his friends went surfing at the weekend, as was their custom.




                In your case, the author has witnessed a particular performance 'three times a day for many months'. So, it is reasonable enough for us to say that it was the author's custom to witness this performance three times a day. However, in spite of this custom, the author was unable to reconcile his mind to it.






                share|improve this answer

























                  7












                  7








                  7







                  'Custom', as you indicated, is often used to talk about traditional practices or behaviours. For example:




                  • It is a wide-spread custom in most Christian countries to exchange gifts on or around Christmas Day.


                  • It is a custom in many countries for businessmen to shake hands when they meet.




                  However, 'custom' can also be used to describe the unique habits or behaviours of a single person or a small group of people. For example:




                  • It was his custom to bring home flowers for his wife at the end of each week.


                  • Joe and his friends went surfing at the weekend, as was their custom.




                  In your case, the author has witnessed a particular performance 'three times a day for many months'. So, it is reasonable enough for us to say that it was the author's custom to witness this performance three times a day. However, in spite of this custom, the author was unable to reconcile his mind to it.






                  share|improve this answer













                  'Custom', as you indicated, is often used to talk about traditional practices or behaviours. For example:




                  • It is a wide-spread custom in most Christian countries to exchange gifts on or around Christmas Day.


                  • It is a custom in many countries for businessmen to shake hands when they meet.




                  However, 'custom' can also be used to describe the unique habits or behaviours of a single person or a small group of people. For example:




                  • It was his custom to bring home flowers for his wife at the end of each week.


                  • Joe and his friends went surfing at the weekend, as was their custom.




                  In your case, the author has witnessed a particular performance 'three times a day for many months'. So, it is reasonable enough for us to say that it was the author's custom to witness this performance three times a day. However, in spite of this custom, the author was unable to reconcile his mind to it.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Jan 19 at 9:34









                  JamesJames

                  5,8331521




                  5,8331521























                      2














                      The meaning of custom here is:




                      [Merriam-Webster]



                      1 c : repeated practice

                      // Custom makes all things easy.





                      The meaning of reconciled in this sentence is unclear as there is no context and there are several possibilities that could fit:




                      [Merriam-Webster]



                      1 b : SETTLE, RESOLVE

                      // reconcile differences
                      2 : to make consistent or congruous

                      // reconcile an ideal with reality
                      3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant

                      // was reconciled to hardship




                      So, there is something about the performance that doesn't make sense (either internal to the performance or in its relationship to reality) or something about it that is unpleasant to witness.




                      In any case, you can paraphrase the sentence in this way:




                      Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but no matter how many times I saw it, I couldn't (accept, understand, or enjoy) what I saw.







                      share|improve this answer



























                        2














                        The meaning of custom here is:




                        [Merriam-Webster]



                        1 c : repeated practice

                        // Custom makes all things easy.





                        The meaning of reconciled in this sentence is unclear as there is no context and there are several possibilities that could fit:




                        [Merriam-Webster]



                        1 b : SETTLE, RESOLVE

                        // reconcile differences
                        2 : to make consistent or congruous

                        // reconcile an ideal with reality
                        3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant

                        // was reconciled to hardship




                        So, there is something about the performance that doesn't make sense (either internal to the performance or in its relationship to reality) or something about it that is unpleasant to witness.




                        In any case, you can paraphrase the sentence in this way:




                        Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but no matter how many times I saw it, I couldn't (accept, understand, or enjoy) what I saw.







                        share|improve this answer

























                          2












                          2








                          2







                          The meaning of custom here is:




                          [Merriam-Webster]



                          1 c : repeated practice

                          // Custom makes all things easy.





                          The meaning of reconciled in this sentence is unclear as there is no context and there are several possibilities that could fit:




                          [Merriam-Webster]



                          1 b : SETTLE, RESOLVE

                          // reconcile differences
                          2 : to make consistent or congruous

                          // reconcile an ideal with reality
                          3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant

                          // was reconciled to hardship




                          So, there is something about the performance that doesn't make sense (either internal to the performance or in its relationship to reality) or something about it that is unpleasant to witness.




                          In any case, you can paraphrase the sentence in this way:




                          Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but no matter how many times I saw it, I couldn't (accept, understand, or enjoy) what I saw.







                          share|improve this answer













                          The meaning of custom here is:




                          [Merriam-Webster]



                          1 c : repeated practice

                          // Custom makes all things easy.





                          The meaning of reconciled in this sentence is unclear as there is no context and there are several possibilities that could fit:




                          [Merriam-Webster]



                          1 b : SETTLE, RESOLVE

                          // reconcile differences
                          2 : to make consistent or congruous

                          // reconcile an ideal with reality
                          3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant

                          // was reconciled to hardship




                          So, there is something about the performance that doesn't make sense (either internal to the performance or in its relationship to reality) or something about it that is unpleasant to witness.




                          In any case, you can paraphrase the sentence in this way:




                          Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but no matter how many times I saw it, I couldn't (accept, understand, or enjoy) what I saw.








                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Jan 19 at 9:37









                          Jason BassfordJason Bassford

                          14.5k22137




                          14.5k22137





















                              2














                              In this case, 'custom' means familiarity. If you do something often enough, regularly enough, even if that thing is initially traumatising or shocking or disgusting or concerning (like watching your friend shoot up drugs), you 'get used' to it - you become desensitised.



                              Imagine if you had a new roommate who, say, cut their toenails every night in front of the telly, you might find it absolutely disgusting, and be certain that no one could convince you otherwise. But fast forward 3 months and you might not even notice it any more. And the housemate would certainly find it a bit strange if you suddenly started yelling at them about it, after 3 months of silence.



                              In the story of your quote, Watson has watched Holmes shoot up drugs every night for three months, yet it still annoys him as much as the first time. This surprises Watson because in any other situation he would have either been spurred to speak up and protest / make a comment by now, or alternatively, just tolerate it as part of life with Holmes.



                              Reading the full context of this sentence (or even just the next sentence) immediately clears up any doubt and may be of interest to the other valiant answer-ers.



                              FULL CONTEXT: (from https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75si/chap01.html )




                              Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece,
                              and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long,
                              white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle and rolled back
                              his left shirtcuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully
                              upon the sinewy forearm and wrist, all dotted and scarred with
                              innumerable puncture-marks. Finally, he thrust the sharp point home,
                              pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined
                              armchair with a long sigh of satisfaction.



                              Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it. On the contrary, from
                              day to day I had become more irritable at the sight, and my
                              conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked
                              the courage to protest. Again and again I had registered a vow that I
                              should deliver my soul upon the subject; but there was that in the
                              cool, nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with
                              whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. His
                              great powers, his masterly manner, and the experience which I had had
                              of his many extraordinary qualities, all made me diffident and
                              backward in crossing him.







                              share|improve this answer


















                              • 1





                                People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:13















                              2














                              In this case, 'custom' means familiarity. If you do something often enough, regularly enough, even if that thing is initially traumatising or shocking or disgusting or concerning (like watching your friend shoot up drugs), you 'get used' to it - you become desensitised.



                              Imagine if you had a new roommate who, say, cut their toenails every night in front of the telly, you might find it absolutely disgusting, and be certain that no one could convince you otherwise. But fast forward 3 months and you might not even notice it any more. And the housemate would certainly find it a bit strange if you suddenly started yelling at them about it, after 3 months of silence.



                              In the story of your quote, Watson has watched Holmes shoot up drugs every night for three months, yet it still annoys him as much as the first time. This surprises Watson because in any other situation he would have either been spurred to speak up and protest / make a comment by now, or alternatively, just tolerate it as part of life with Holmes.



                              Reading the full context of this sentence (or even just the next sentence) immediately clears up any doubt and may be of interest to the other valiant answer-ers.



                              FULL CONTEXT: (from https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75si/chap01.html )




                              Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece,
                              and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long,
                              white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle and rolled back
                              his left shirtcuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully
                              upon the sinewy forearm and wrist, all dotted and scarred with
                              innumerable puncture-marks. Finally, he thrust the sharp point home,
                              pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined
                              armchair with a long sigh of satisfaction.



                              Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it. On the contrary, from
                              day to day I had become more irritable at the sight, and my
                              conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked
                              the courage to protest. Again and again I had registered a vow that I
                              should deliver my soul upon the subject; but there was that in the
                              cool, nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with
                              whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. His
                              great powers, his masterly manner, and the experience which I had had
                              of his many extraordinary qualities, all made me diffident and
                              backward in crossing him.







                              share|improve this answer


















                              • 1





                                People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:13













                              2












                              2








                              2







                              In this case, 'custom' means familiarity. If you do something often enough, regularly enough, even if that thing is initially traumatising or shocking or disgusting or concerning (like watching your friend shoot up drugs), you 'get used' to it - you become desensitised.



                              Imagine if you had a new roommate who, say, cut their toenails every night in front of the telly, you might find it absolutely disgusting, and be certain that no one could convince you otherwise. But fast forward 3 months and you might not even notice it any more. And the housemate would certainly find it a bit strange if you suddenly started yelling at them about it, after 3 months of silence.



                              In the story of your quote, Watson has watched Holmes shoot up drugs every night for three months, yet it still annoys him as much as the first time. This surprises Watson because in any other situation he would have either been spurred to speak up and protest / make a comment by now, or alternatively, just tolerate it as part of life with Holmes.



                              Reading the full context of this sentence (or even just the next sentence) immediately clears up any doubt and may be of interest to the other valiant answer-ers.



                              FULL CONTEXT: (from https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75si/chap01.html )




                              Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece,
                              and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long,
                              white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle and rolled back
                              his left shirtcuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully
                              upon the sinewy forearm and wrist, all dotted and scarred with
                              innumerable puncture-marks. Finally, he thrust the sharp point home,
                              pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined
                              armchair with a long sigh of satisfaction.



                              Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it. On the contrary, from
                              day to day I had become more irritable at the sight, and my
                              conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked
                              the courage to protest. Again and again I had registered a vow that I
                              should deliver my soul upon the subject; but there was that in the
                              cool, nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with
                              whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. His
                              great powers, his masterly manner, and the experience which I had had
                              of his many extraordinary qualities, all made me diffident and
                              backward in crossing him.







                              share|improve this answer













                              In this case, 'custom' means familiarity. If you do something often enough, regularly enough, even if that thing is initially traumatising or shocking or disgusting or concerning (like watching your friend shoot up drugs), you 'get used' to it - you become desensitised.



                              Imagine if you had a new roommate who, say, cut their toenails every night in front of the telly, you might find it absolutely disgusting, and be certain that no one could convince you otherwise. But fast forward 3 months and you might not even notice it any more. And the housemate would certainly find it a bit strange if you suddenly started yelling at them about it, after 3 months of silence.



                              In the story of your quote, Watson has watched Holmes shoot up drugs every night for three months, yet it still annoys him as much as the first time. This surprises Watson because in any other situation he would have either been spurred to speak up and protest / make a comment by now, or alternatively, just tolerate it as part of life with Holmes.



                              Reading the full context of this sentence (or even just the next sentence) immediately clears up any doubt and may be of interest to the other valiant answer-ers.



                              FULL CONTEXT: (from https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75si/chap01.html )




                              Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece,
                              and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long,
                              white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle and rolled back
                              his left shirtcuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully
                              upon the sinewy forearm and wrist, all dotted and scarred with
                              innumerable puncture-marks. Finally, he thrust the sharp point home,
                              pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined
                              armchair with a long sigh of satisfaction.



                              Three times a day for many months I had witnessed this performance, but custom had not reconciled my mind to it. On the contrary, from
                              day to day I had become more irritable at the sight, and my
                              conscience swelled nightly within me at the thought that I had lacked
                              the courage to protest. Again and again I had registered a vow that I
                              should deliver my soul upon the subject; but there was that in the
                              cool, nonchalant air of my companion which made him the last man with
                              whom one would care to take anything approaching to a liberty. His
                              great powers, his masterly manner, and the experience which I had had
                              of his many extraordinary qualities, all made me diffident and
                              backward in crossing him.








                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Jan 19 at 18:54









                              EscoEsco

                              1495




                              1495







                              • 1





                                People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:13












                              • 1





                                People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:13







                              1




                              1





                              People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                              – David K
                              Jan 19 at 19:13





                              People do not generally write in this style any longer. I think this answer interprets the passage exactly the way it was meant to be.

                              – David K
                              Jan 19 at 19:13











                              0














                              The straight forward meaning in this sentence is "repetition" so: "but repetition had not reconciled my mind to it".



                              But by using custom the writer also manages to convey ideas about it being the "custom" of the people that are being witnessed and hints that this was something that the witness could not become "accustomed" to.






                              share|improve this answer























                              • Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:06















                              0














                              The straight forward meaning in this sentence is "repetition" so: "but repetition had not reconciled my mind to it".



                              But by using custom the writer also manages to convey ideas about it being the "custom" of the people that are being witnessed and hints that this was something that the witness could not become "accustomed" to.






                              share|improve this answer























                              • Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:06













                              0












                              0








                              0







                              The straight forward meaning in this sentence is "repetition" so: "but repetition had not reconciled my mind to it".



                              But by using custom the writer also manages to convey ideas about it being the "custom" of the people that are being witnessed and hints that this was something that the witness could not become "accustomed" to.






                              share|improve this answer













                              The straight forward meaning in this sentence is "repetition" so: "but repetition had not reconciled my mind to it".



                              But by using custom the writer also manages to convey ideas about it being the "custom" of the people that are being witnessed and hints that this was something that the witness could not become "accustomed" to.







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                              answered Jan 19 at 15:37









                              GARY BROOKSGARY BROOKS

                              1




                              1












                              • Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:06

















                              • Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                                – David K
                                Jan 19 at 19:06
















                              Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                              – David K
                              Jan 19 at 19:06





                              Other answers say the “custom” was a habit of the witness rather than the people who were witnessed. The writing style is somewhat old-fashioned—it was written in the 19th century, after all.

                              – David K
                              Jan 19 at 19:06

















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