what is the meaning of the sentence and word in this book? I can't figure out the punctuation here. Holla! - you chairman! - here's sixpence - do step into that book - seller's shop, and call me a day-tall critick. i'm very willing to give any one of'em a crown to help me with his tackling, to get my father and my uncle toby off the stairs, and to put them to bed... what is - - - meaning and function here? what is the meaning of day-tall and what is critick?