Chapter XXI

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

a native or inhabitant of Australia

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

past form of “blink” — briefly shut the eyes

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

the two together, not just one

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

rid of obstructions

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

relating to or based on or involving comparison

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a rheostat that varies the current through an electric light in order to control the level of illumination

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

(Roman Catholic Church) a church father known for his constant fight against perceived heresies; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-391)

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

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

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

light in a transparent protective case

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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 In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

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

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

the light of the Moon

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

above and across; more than

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

by chance

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

having a point

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “revel” — unrestrained merrymaking

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

French prelate and statesman; principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

Identical; not different.

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

cause friction

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

transport commercially

From this reading And from the mastheads of many a ship larger lights hung bright and clear--red, green, blue, orange.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

in a sleepy manner

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

inflected form of “sling” — hurl as if with a sling

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

plural of “snake” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a ship powered by one or more steam engines

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

not in physical motion

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

the one or ones belonging to them

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were half a dozen that Carruthers could identify as theirs--lanterns slung from craft of the Gregory Steamship Company--and he pointed them out to Hilda.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

male cat

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

precisely as stated

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

which person or people

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

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

From this reading AH WONG That same night, at midnight, Tom Carruthers and Hilda Gregory sat hand in hand on a verandah that looked down the Peak on to the city and the water beyond.

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

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading In Hong Kong--the town itself--the lights were still many, for Hong Kong both works and revels late o’ nights, and on the nearer water dimmer lights blinked sleepily.

gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something

From this reading The midnight sky was thick with stars, and up and down the Peak’s town-side thin snakes of light crept now and then--the lantern lights of late-sojourning natives, or of those pulling and pushing the rickshaws, and carrying the chairs of European merry-makers returning to the Peak to sleep in its comparative cool--a party that had dined at Government House, a dozen who had made moonlight picnic in the grounds of Douglas’ Folly or at Wong-ma-kok, a man who had worked late at the bank, three who had played late at the club, several who had been at a dance, and perhaps fifty who had been yawning over the Richelieu of a very scratch Australian company.