Chapter XXXVII

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

matters of personal concern

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading THE LAWYERS AGREE.

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

plural of “bribe” — payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

past form of “condone” — excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

a female human offspring

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

perceived or discerned

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

plural of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading THE LAWYERS AGREE.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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 When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

a form of address for a man

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

not any; not one

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

no person; not anyone

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

in an official role

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

many times at short intervals

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

held in check with difficulty

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

adjust to a specific need or market

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading THE LAWYERS AGREE.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

a special situation

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

the act of testing something

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

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

From this reading The tailor and the Earl, the Countess and her daughter, had become public property since the great trial had been commenced, and many eyes were on them.

at the time that

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."

which person or people

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading There is a wide difference in the qualities of knowledge regarding such matters.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In affairs of public interest we often know, or fancy that we know, down to every exact detail, how a thing has been done,--who have given the bribes and who have taken them,--who has told the lie and who has pretended to believe it,--who has peculated and how the public purse has suffered,--who was in love with such a one's wife and how the matter was detected, then smothered up, and condoned; but there is no official knowledge, and nothing can be done.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading When a month had passed by a great many people knew how Mr. Daniel Thwaite had come by the wound in his back, but nobody knew it "officially."