Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading AMERICAN AUTHORS.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

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

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

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

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading AMERICAN AUTHORS.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

of short duration or distance

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

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

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

past form of “contribute” — bestow a quality on

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

plural of “contribution” — the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

a city in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River across from Moline and Rock Island

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

done or made or performed with purpose and intent

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

set up or found

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

in a free manner

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

having an illustrious reputation; respected

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

a positive motivational influence

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

cause to come to know personally

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

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 names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

push for something

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

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

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading If this were not enough, an inducement of another kind is to be found in the circumstances of the lady in whose behalf the contents of this volume have been so freely contributed.

in or to any place at all

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

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

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

belonging to which person

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

produce a literary work

From this reading At the desire of MISS DAVENPORT, for whose benefit this collection of original Miscellanies by American authors has been made, I write this brief Preface, without having had time to read the contributions which it is designed to introduce.

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

From this reading The names of the writers, however, many of which are among the most distinguished in our literature, and are honored wherever our language is spoken, will suffice to recommend the volume to the attention of the reading world.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1859, by C.A. DAVENPORT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.