Chapter XIII

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

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

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

matters of personal concern

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

(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 And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

United States anthropologist (1887-1948)

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

commander of the British forces in the American War of Independence; was defeated by American and French troops at Yorktown (1738-1805)

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

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

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

characterized by great determination

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

plural of “expenditure” — money paid out; an amount spent

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

obtain

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

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

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

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

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

a New York river; flows southward into New York Bay; explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

known widely and usually unfavorably

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

an opaque form of quartz; red or yellow or brown or dark green in color; used for ornamentation or as a gemstone

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

and nothing more

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

very generous

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

plural of “loyalist” — a person who is loyal to their allegiance (especially in times of revolt)

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

the quality of being loyal

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

not any; not one

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

a feeling of great happiness

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

carry out

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

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

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

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

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or disloyalty against a host or ally.

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading However, the army under Cornwallis, or at least the officers, did not seem to take their country’s misfortunes very much to heart.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And among them all not one entertained upon the scale of Jasper Harwood; he seemed determined to prove his loyalty to the crown by his lavish expenditures; but in reality, as the reader knows, he had another reason.

precisely as stated

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

past form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

-ing form of “wage” — carry on (wars, battles, or campaigns)

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

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

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

which person or people

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading The winter season was long remembered for its many gaieties; the loyalists of the town had thrown open their houses and vied with each other as to who could do the most for the king’s scarlet-coated dandies.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

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

From this reading They were at war with three European nations--France, Holland and Spain; their colonies in North America were waging a desperate war for independence that seemed as though it would never end, and their attempt to gain possession of West Point, on the Hudson, through the treachery of the infamous Benedict Arnold, had just failed.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading HOW THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT Christmas time, in the year 1780, the British had no very great occasion for rejoicing, so far as their affairs of government were concerned, at least.