Chapter XXXII · Chapter 32

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

plural of “amusement” — a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

contrived by art rather than nature

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

make a mathematical calculation or computation

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

indicating a lack of maturity

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

carefully weighed

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

without stop or interruption

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

a prescribed selection of foods

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

plural of “disease” — an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

separate into parts or portions

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

-ing form of “divide” — separate into parts or portions

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

set up or found

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

many times at short intervals

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

yet to be or coming

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

plural of “manufacture” — the organized action of making of goods and services for sale

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

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 They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

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

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

plural of “moon” — the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

absolutely essential

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

not any; not one

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

of or relating to or resembling the physical or orbital characteristics of a planet or the planets

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

Identical; not different.

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

plural of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

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

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

form into subdivisions

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

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

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

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

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

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

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)

From this reading _The account of the Mandingoes continued.--Their notions in respect of the planetary bodies, and the figure of the earth.--Their religious opinions, and belief in a future state.--Their diseases and methods of treatment.--Their funeral ceremonies, amusements, occupations, diet, arts, manufactures, &c._ The Mandingoes, and, I believe, the Negroes in general, have no artificial method of dividing time.

precisely as stated

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

at the time that

From this reading The day they divide into morning, mid-day, and evening; and further subdivide it, when necessary, by pointing to the sun's place in the Heavens.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading I frequently inquired of some of them what became of the sun during the night, and whether we should see the same sun, or a different one, in the morning? but I found that they considered the question as very childish.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading They portion the year into _moons_, and reckon the days by so many _suns_.

a late time of life

From this reading They calculate the years by the number of _rainy seasons_.