Chapter XXIII · The Trial in Progress

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

plural of “committee” — a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

power to direct or determine

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

inflected form of “deter” — try to prevent; show opposition to

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

lacking order or methodical arrangement or function

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

divisible by two

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

plural of “gambler” — a person who wagers money on the outcome of games or sporting events

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

highest in quality

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

a narrow gorge with a stream running through it

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

past form of “influence” — have and exert influence or effect

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

an occurrence of something

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

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

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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 Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

the force of workers available

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

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

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

plural of “murderer” — a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

not any; not one

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

and nothing more

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

resulting in punishment

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

on the contrary

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

the act of defending yourself

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

required or under orders

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It cannot be denied that these rude forms of justice, known as "Judge Lynch’s Courts," have done some good in disorganized conditions of society, by deterring, if not in punishing, crime.

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

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At one time these committees saved the city of San Francisco from the control of murderers and gamblers.

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

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

careful consideration

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

(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 The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

in or at the place that

From this reading Indeed, in many cases vigilance committees have been of the greatest service, even in places where the law is supposed to be in force.

which person or people

From this reading The only men who can properly administer justice are those accustomed to weighing evidence, and, no matter how well meaning, rough miners are apt to be influenced by their feelings rather than their reason.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading But on the whole they do more harm than good, for, as in the present instance at Hurley’s Gulch, bad men join them for self-protection or to carry out their own selfish ends.