Chapter V

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

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

any person at all

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

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

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

a pass between mountain peaks

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

inflected form of “grin” — to draw back the lips and reveal the teeth, in a smile, grimace, or snarl

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

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

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

plural of “ma” — informal terms for a mother

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

informal term of address for someone's wife

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

a form of address for a man

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

absolutely essential

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

many times at short intervals

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

past form of “phrase” — put into words or an expression

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

a male human offspring

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

past form of “telegraph” — send cables, wires, or telegrams

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

a special situation

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

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

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Little black faces grinned at him from behind every tree, and about a dozen of them peered out from a safe position behind "ole mas'r and ole missus."

up to a particular time

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

a native or resident of Virginia

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

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

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

accept gladly

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

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

From this reading _Mr. Pagebrook makes Some Acquaintances._ Mr. Robert had often heard of "an Old Virginian welcome," but precisely what constituted it he never knew until the carriage in which he rode drove around the "circle" and stopped in front of the Shirley mansion.

during the time that

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

which person or people

From this reading The first thing which struck him as peculiar about the preparations made for his reception was the large number of small negroes who thought their presence necessary to the occasion.

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

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Col. Barksdale met him at the carriage while the ladies were in waiting on the porch, as anybody but a Virginian would put it--_in_ the porch, as they themselves would have phrased it.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Mr. Billy had telegraphed from Richmond announcing the coming of his guest, and so every darkey on the plantation knew that "Mas' Joe's son" was "a comin' wid Mas' Billy from de Norf," and every one that could find a safe hiding place in the yard was there to see him come.