Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

surprising greatly

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

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

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

a hat tied under the chin

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a young person of either sex

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

of persons; not subject to change

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

a female human offspring

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

characterized by great determination

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

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

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

a man of refinement

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

plural of “herd” — a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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 His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

joined in matrimony

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

being roughly between 45 and 65 years old

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

past form of “occasion” — give occasion to

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

by chance

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

the owner or manager of a plantation

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

transport commercially

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

a special situation

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

(usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

precisely as stated

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading And it had therefore occasioned a good deal of surprise, and more or less small talk among his neighbours, that Major Bonnet should want to buy a ship.

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

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He had been an officer in the army, was well educated and intelligent, and now, in vigorous middle life, had become a confirmed country gentleman.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

at the time that

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

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

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

which person or people

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.

belonging to which person

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His herds and his crops were, to him, the principal things on earth, with the exception of his daughter; for, although he had married for the second time, there were a good many things which he valued more than his wife.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading A FRUIT-BASKET AND A FRIEND Major Stede Bonnet, the father of Kate, whose mother had died when the child was but a year old, was a middle-aged Englishman of a fair estate, in the island of Barbadoes.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading But he had been a soldier in his youth, and soldiers are very apt to change their manner of living, and so, if Major Bonnet had grown tired of his farm and had determined to go into commercial enterprises, it was not, perhaps, a very amazing thing that a military man who had turned planter should now turn to be something else.