Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

matters of personal concern

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

how long something has existed

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

possessing life

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

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

From this reading BY AN OVERSIGHT OF SOCIETY'S.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

a relation that provides the foundation for something

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading BY AN OVERSIGHT OF SOCIETY'S.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

plural of “constitution” — law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

inflected form of “enrol” — register formally as a participant or member

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

a .45-caliber pistol

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

set up or found

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

death of a person

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

plural of “institution” — an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

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

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

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

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

not any; not one

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BY AN OVERSIGHT OF SOCIETY'S.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

an unintentional omission resulting from failure to notice something

From this reading BY AN OVERSIGHT OF SOCIETY'S.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

one of four equal parts

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

confidently optimistic and cheerful

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

possessive form of “society” — an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading BY AN OVERSIGHT OF SOCIETY'S.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

an acknowledgment of appreciation

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

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

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Thanks to this sanguine view, he found himself, at the age of forty-five, a free man in New Lindsey; and, thinking that he and his native country had had about enough of one another, he had enrolled himself as a subject of her Majesty, and had plunged into the affairs of his new home with his usual energy.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading François Gaspard was a pleasant and cheerful man, good company, and genial to his neighbours and comrades, but it may be doubted whether Society had not made a grave mistake in not hanging him at the earliest opportunity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

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

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.

but in spite of that

From this reading Society, however, had chosen to fancy that it could reform François, or, failing that, could keep him alive and yet harmless.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading In his younger days he had lived in perpetual warfare against Society, its institutions and constitutions--a warfare that he carried on without scruple and without quarter: he would have had no cause for complaint had he been dealt with on this basis of his own choosing.