1812
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
at or in or to any place
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
celebritiesnounUS /səˈlebrɪtiz/
plural of “celebrity” — a widely known person
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
commercenounUS /ˈkɑːmərs/
transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
creolenounUS /ˈkriːoʊl/
a person of European descent born in the West Indies or Latin America
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
DecaturnounUS /dɪˈkeɪtər/
United States naval officer remembered for his heroic deeds (1779-1820)
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
deltanounUS /ˈdeltə/
a low triangular area of alluvial deposits where a river divides before entering a larger body of water
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
entertainingadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/
agreeably diverting
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
epauletted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
divisible by two
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
frillsnounUS /frɪlz/
plural of “frill” — (paleontology) a bony plate that curves upward behind the skull of many ceratopsian dinosaurs
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
gilt-braided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
happieradjectiveUS /ˈhæpiər/
comparative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
immemorialadjectiveUS /ˌɪməˈmɔːriəl/
long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
intriguenounUS /ˌɪnˈtriːɡ/
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
keeledadjective
having a ridge or shaped like a ridge or suggesting the keel of a ship
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
leveesnounUS /ˈleviz/
plural of “levee” — a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court)
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
hear with intention
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
MERCERnounUS /ˈmɜːrsər/
a dealer in textiles (especially silks)
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
MississippinounUS /ˌmɪsɪˈsɪpi/
a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
mooredverbUS /mʊrd/
past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
navaladjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/
connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
and nothing more
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
OrleansnounUS /ˈɔːrliənz/
a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
rebelledverbUS /rɪˈbeld/
inflected form of “rebel” — take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
recountverbUS /rɪˈkaʊnt/
narrate or give a detailed account of
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
disposed of to a purchaser
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
spellboundadjectiveUS /ˈspelbaʊnd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
STEVEN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
swirledverbUS /swɜːrld/
past form of “swirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was happier on the river than anywhere.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
thrillsnounUS /θrɪlz/
plural of “thrill” — the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
Tripolitan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
wharfnounUS /wɔːrf/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
wharves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was, too, a port of intrigue and of commerce that swirled about the wharves and up and down the great Mississippi.
in or at the place that
From this reading STEVEN MERCER The city of New Orleans, even after the French sold it to the United States, remained a place of gilt-braided social life, where the brilliant creole “quality” held bright levees.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
which person or people
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For one reason only would Steven stay at home, his keeled boat moored idly at a delta wharf: to hear epauletted gentlemen recount the thrills of the War of 1812; to listen spellbound while naval celebrities who had been with Decatur told of that immemorial engagement in the Tripolitan harbor.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Had the society that frequented his mother’s drawing-room in the lovely old French city not been so brilliant, the ladies so entertaining, the gentlemen so distinguished, Steven Mercer would have rebelled quite openly against a life that seemed to him mainly frills and lace.
