used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
advantagesnounUS /ædˈvæntɪdʒɪz/
plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
advocateverbUS /ˈædvəkət/
push for something
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
blissnounUS /blɪs/
a state of extreme happiness
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
chaplainnounUS /ˈtʃæplən/
a clergyman ministering to some institution
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
power to direct or determine
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
criminaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmənəl/
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
the specified day of the month
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
deterrentnounUS /dɪˈtɜːrrənt/
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
disadvantagesnounUS /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒɪz/
plural of “disadvantage” — the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
accept an excuse for
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
extinctionnounUS /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
no longer active; extinguished
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
a man of refinement
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
ill-informed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
inadvertentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtəntli/
without knowledge or intention
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
incapableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/
(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
intellectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuːəl/
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
not any; not one
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
and nothing more
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
a human being
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
plusnounUS /plʌs/
a useful or valuable quality
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
profoundlyadverbUS /proʊˈfaʊndli/
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
the act of punishing
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
repentancenounUS /rɪˈpentəns/
remorse for your past conduct
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
reverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
scaffoldnounUS /ˈskæfəld/
a platform from which criminals are executed (hanged or beheaded)
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
scepticismnoun
the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
a person, without saying who
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
express a supposition
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
temperamentnounUS /ˈtemprəmənt/
your usual mood
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
a special situation
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this, as in most things, ignorance has its advantages.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
unphilosophical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Capital punishment is, of course, a profoundly unphilosophical thing.
upholdverbUS /əpˈhoʊld/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
varyverbUS /ˈveri/
become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
From this reading I suppose the feelings of a human being awaiting extinction on a near date fixed by the law must vary according to temperament.
precisely as stated
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
which person or people
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Only a very ill-informed person would uphold it as a deterrent, and if not a deterrent its only excuse is the selfish one of putting someone out of the way whom it cannot control without expense and trouble.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A chaplain working on a mind incapable of the intellectual effort of scepticism might send a criminal to the scaffold with a distinct feeling that in spite of its other disadvantages, murder plus hanging plus repentance was a short cut to eternal bliss—a view of the question which would no doubt shock the reverend gentleman who had inadvertently been a most effective advocate of murder.
