What does "pray" here mean?
Recently I've been reading Sherlock Holmes. I find the word " pray" always turns up at the beginning of the sentences. I feel it means "please". Am I right？

Ex.
Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied.

"These are very deep waters," said he,; " pray go on with your narrative."

Question

What does "pray" here mean?
Recently I've been reading Sherlock Holmes. I find the word " pray" always turns up at the beginning of the sentences. I feel it means "please". Am I right？

Ex.
Holmes shook his head  like a man who is far from being satisfied.

"These are very deep waters," said he,; " pray go on with your narrative."

Answer

Yes in this context (Old English Language) it means please

Answer

You are correct, "pray" could be replaced with "please" here.

However, I don't think this is common usage anymore. I think most people would understand if you used it, but it sounds a bit old I think.

Answer

Excellent reasoning. Pray continue. I agree with you.

Verpassen Sie nicht die Gelegenheit, bequem von zu Hause aus eine Sprache zu lernen. Stöbern Sie in unserer Auswahl an erfahrenen Sprachlehrern und melden Sie sich jetzt zu Ihrer ersten Unterrichtsstunde an!