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No Defense, Complete
No Defense, Complete

Chapter XVI · A Letter

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Context Illustration Reading 1/65 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.
They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.
It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.
He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.
He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

No Defense, Complete

Chapter XVI · A Letter

Reading 1/65 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.
Line 2
They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.
Line 3
It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.
Line 4
He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.
Line 5
He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.”

Duty noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.”

Plateau noun US /plateau/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.”

All words in this reading · 116

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

acid

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

advantage

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

all

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

army

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

attended

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

attorneys

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

away

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

barbecued

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

beef

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

black

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

boar

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

bookkeepers

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

breakfast

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

buccras

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

came

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

capital

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

cassava-cakes

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

centre

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

chocolate

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

Christmas

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

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

coffee

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

conchs

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

crab

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

Creole

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

cynicism

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

Day

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

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

deep

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

distance

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

everywhere

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

far

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

feast

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

festivities

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

few

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

folk

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

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

formation

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

fried

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

fruits

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

given

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

head

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

hog

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

horseback

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

hours

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

junior

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

lands

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

lay

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

local

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

made

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

manager

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

mountain

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

mountains

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

mullet

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

navy

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

negroes

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

o'clock

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

officers

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

out

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

overladen

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

overseers

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

own

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

people

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

pepper-pod

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

pigeon-pies

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

plantation

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

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

planter

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

planters

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

planting

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

plateaunounUS /plateau/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

presents

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

provost-marshal

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From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

raised

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From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

ravines

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From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

River

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From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

round

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From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

seen

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From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

seven

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

shoulder

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From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

sigh

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From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

slaves

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From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

small

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

Spanish

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From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

spruce-beer

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

stewed

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

style

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

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

subordinates

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From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

table

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

tea

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

Thomas

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the folk on his plantation.

tongues

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

Town

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

travelling

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

From this reading They lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation, with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

turned

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He had given presents, had attended a seven o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes, and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the subordinates of the local provost-marshal, small planters, and a few junior officers of the army and navy.

wild

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

From this reading He had turned away with cynicism from the overladen table, with its shoulder of stewed wild boar in the centre; with its chocolate, coffee, tea, spruce-beer, cassava-cakes, pigeon-pies, tongues, round of beef, barbecued hog, fried conchs, black crab pepper-pod, mountain mullet, and acid fruits.

WithprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.

writing

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

From this reading With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own.