Chapter I

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

(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 That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

a youthful male person

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

power to direct or determine

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

dearly loved

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

English writer remembered particularly for his novel about Robinson Crusoe (1660-1731)

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

past form of “devour” — destroy completely

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

plural of “disposition” — your usual mood

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

divisible by two

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

let have

From this reading JAMES GRANT.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

clarify by giving an example of

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading JAMES GRANT.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

a room where books are kept

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

plural of “longing” — prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

kept in good condition

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

and nothing more

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used to form the superlative

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

not any; not one

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

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

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

a publication that appears at fixed intervals

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

not often

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

on the contrary

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

a meeting for boat races

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

unusual or striking

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

worried and uneasy

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

not in physical motion

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

your usual mood

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading THE ADVENTURES OF AN ETON BOY.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

not special in any way; lacking distinction

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

tell voluntarily

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

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

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

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

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

which person or people

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That my temperament was, and is still, something of this nature, I must confess; and the reading of my leisure hours--books of wild adventure by field and flood (I have devoured them all from the volumes of dear old Daniel Defoe, to those of the _Railway Library_), filled my mind with vague longings and airy fancies, for greater achievements than our periodical regatta, or the ranks of our Eton Rifle Volunteer Corps were likely to afford, although I deemed myself by no means an undistinguished member of the latter.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In the relation of the following adventures I do not mean to illustrate the principle maintained by some writers, that by an inevitable course of events in life, _that_ becomes fate, which at first was merely _choice_; but rather to show how, by a remarkable combination of circumstances (to a great extent beyond my own control), I was involved in a series of perils and perigrinations, such as rarely fall to the lot even of those who have the most restless of dispositions.