Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

consider or hold as true

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

(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 In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

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

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

past form of “aspire” — have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

show off

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a refrigerator for cooling liquids

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

past form of “free” — grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

a gay festivity

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

an offensive term for the offspring of parents of different racial groups or cultures

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

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

From this reading HIS WIFE.

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

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

property that is leased or rented out or let

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

the force of workers available

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

an offspring of a black and a white parent

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

and nothing more

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

above and across; more than

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

the local environment

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

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

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

an offspring of a mulatto and a white parent; a person who is one-quarter black

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading In 1856 the gala days of this half-caste people were quite over.

past form of “rent” — let for money

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

plural of “renter” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

inflected form of “shun” — avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

moral weakness

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

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

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)

From this reading Difference was made between virtue and vice, and the famous quadroon balls were shunned by those who aspired to respectability, whether their whiteness was nature or only toilet powder.

which person or people

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

belonging to which person

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading HIS WIFE.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading At the same time there was a class of persons whose residence was permanent, and to whom this letting of rooms fell by an easy and natural gravitation; and the most respectable and comfortable rented rooms of which the city could boast were those _chambres garnies_ in Custom-house and Bienville streets, kept by worthy free or freed mulatto or quadroon women.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading In former times the presence in New Orleans, during the cooler half of the year, of large numbers of mercantile men from all parts of the world, who did not accept the fever-plagued city as their permanent residence, made much business for the renters of furnished apartments.