adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
afraidadjectiveUS /əˈfreɪd/
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
BatesverbUS /beɪts/
third-person singular of “bate” — moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
boynounUS /bɔɪ/
a youthful male person
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
boysnounUS /bɔɪz/
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
bulliesnounUS /ˈbʊliz/
plural of “bully” — a cruel and brutal fellow
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
emissarynounUS /ˈeməseri/
someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/
come together
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
experiencingverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪŋ/
-ing form of “experience” — undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
feelverbUS /fiːl/
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
feltverbUS /felt/
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
fistnounUS /fɪst/
a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
foemannoun
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
followersnounUS /ˈfɑːloʊərz/
a group of followers or enthusiasts
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
formeradjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmər/
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/
at or to or toward the front
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/
only a very short time before
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
ill-treatmentnoun
cruel or inhumane treatment
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
indolentlyadverb
in an indolent manner
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/
of or characteristic of low rank or importance
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
instancenounUS /ˈɪnstəns/
an occurrence of something
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
Jim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
Jim's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
joynounUS /dʒɔɪ/
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
leaningadjectiveUS /ˈliːnɪŋ/
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
lovesnounUS /lʌvz/
plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
masternounUS /ˈmæstər/
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
matternounUS /ˈmætər/
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
miserynounUS /ˈmɪzəri/
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
nearadverbUS /nɪr/
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
occasionsnounUS /əˈkeɪʒənz/
something you have to do
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
postverbUS /poʊst/
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
rumpusnoun
the act of making a noisy disturbance
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
schoolboysnounUS /ˈskuːlbɔɪz/
plural of “schoolboy” — a boy attending school
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
SeveraladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
SmithnounUS /smɪθ/
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
strengthnounUS /streŋkθ/
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
sufferverbUS /ˈsʌfər/
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
sycophanticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
sympathizeverbUS /ˈsɪmpəθaɪz/
share the feelings of; understand the sentiments of
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
weakeradjectiveUS /ˈwiːkər/
comparative of “weak” — wanting in physical strength
From this reading I am afraid schoolboys do not always sympathize with the weaker side.
weightnounUS /weɪt/
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his emissary, Bates, returned from his errand.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Several of the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was experiencing “that stern joy” which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master.
wondernounUS /ˈwʌndər/
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading In the present instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other felt the weight of Jim’s fist, and, as there is an old saying that “misery loves company,” it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
