Chapter I

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

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

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

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

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

French soldier said to be fearless and chivalrous (1473-1524)

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading BY LYSANDER SPOONER.

requiring full use of your abilities or resources

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

a river that rises in the Catskills in southeastern New York and flows southward along the border of Pennsylvania with New York and New Jersey to northern Delaware where it empties into Delaware Bay

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

dominance or power through legal authority

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

give expression to

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

ten 10s

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

third-person singular of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

past form of “invest” — make an investment

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

relating to a legislature or composed of members of a legislature

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

someone who makes or enacts laws

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

Spartan general who defeated the Athenians in the final battle of the Peloponnesian War (died in 395 BC)

From this reading BY LYSANDER SPOONER.

engage in

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

the force of workers available

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

in an essential manner

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

be obedient to

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

morally or legally constraining or binding

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

above and across; more than

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

plural of “representative” — a person who represents others

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

increase the number of rotations per minute

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

precisely, exactly

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

by right

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature

From this reading All this implies that you are of the opinion that the Congress of the United States, of which you are a member, has, by some process or other, become possessed of some right _of arbitrary dominion_ over the people of the United States; which right of arbitrary dominion is not given by, and is, therefore, necessarily in conflict with, the law of nature, the principles of natural justice, and the natural rights of men, as individuals.

plural of “senator” — a member of a senate

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

term of address for a man

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

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

From this reading BY LYSANDER SPOONER.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

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

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

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

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

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

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading TO EXERCISE ANY LEGISLATIVE POWER WHATEVER OVER THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

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

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This proposition implies that you hold it to be at least possible that some four hundred men should, by some process or other, become invested with the right to make laws of their own--that is, _laws wholly of their own device_, and therefore necessarily distinct from the law of nature, or the principles of natural justice; and that these laws of their own making shall be really and truly obligatory upon the people of the United States; and that, therefore, the people may rightfully be compelled to obey them.

but in spite of that

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard "_Challenging his right--and that of all the other so-called senators and representatives in Congress--to exercise any legislative power whatever over the people of the United States._" by Lysander Spooner To Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware: Sir--I have read your letter to Rev. Lyman Abbott, in which you express the opinion that it is at least possible for a man to be a legislator (under the Constitution of the United States) and yet be an honest man.