Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

later than; following

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Captain Nicholas McDuffy.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

a person who is in charge

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

plural of “cistern” — a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

pull, as against a resistance

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

someone who fights (or is fighting)

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

fasten with a hook

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

the act of beginning something new

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

conformity or harmony

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

full of life and energy

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

engage in

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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 For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading Captain Nicholas McDuffy.

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

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading Captain Nicholas McDuffy.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

plural of “organization” — a group of people who work together

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

tense with excitement and enthusiasm as from a rush of adrenaline

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

past form of “supplant” — take the place or move into the position of

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth

From this reading There was peculiar sweetness in those old songs which made fire fighting a fascinating pastime in those old days.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

tell voluntarily

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

plural of “volunteer” — (military) a person who freely enlists for service

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

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

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Before the introduction of the improved method of fire fighting in Southern cities--before the steam engine, the hook and ladder and water tower companies supplanted the old hand pump and bucket companies, the Negro was the chief fire fighter, and there was nothing that tended more to make fire fighting a pleasant pastime than those old volunteer organizations.

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

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

at the time that

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

in or at the place that

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

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

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

a town in southeastern North Carolina on the Cape Fear River

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading When the old bell in the market house tower sounded the alarm of fire, the volunteers left their work and hastened to headquarters to drag forth the old hand pump and make for the cistern nearest the scene of the fire, where, keeping time to the tune of some lively song, they pumped the fire out.

a late time of life

From this reading For many years after the war Wilmington was supplied with water for the putting out of fires by means of cisterns which were built in the centre of streets.