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Old Mortality, Volume 2.
Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Chapter XIII · The principal incident of the foregoing

Cover illustration for Old Mortality, Volume 2.
Context Illustration Reading 1/3 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.
When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.
This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.
At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.
They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.
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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.

Old Mortality, Volume 2.

Chapter XIII · The principal incident of the foregoing

Reading 1/3 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.
Line 2
When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.
Line 3
This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.
Line 4
At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.
Line 5
They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.”

Fortune noun US /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.”

Supervisor noun US /ˈsuːpərvaɪzər/

a person responsible for overseeing work or an operation

From this reading “When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.”

Understand noun US /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.”

All words in this reading · 113

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 Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

active

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

almost

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

came

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

Chapter

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

coast

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

contraband

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

country

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

dangerous

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

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

deceased

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

department

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

desperate

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

district

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

employed

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

evening

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

Excise

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

exertions

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

Galloway

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

gang

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

gave

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

happily

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

held

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

highly

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

immunities

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

important

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

inferior

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

Isle

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

jeopardy

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

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

kind

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

leaders

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

Man

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

manner

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

met

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

more

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

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

most

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

now

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

occasion

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

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

occurrence

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

offend

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

offered

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

particular

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

placed

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

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

raised

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

rendered

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

resistance

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

resolute

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

resorted

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

revenue

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

riding

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

serving

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

several

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

show

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

similar

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

situation

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

smugglers

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

smuggling

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

spend

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

suggested

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

summer

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

sunset

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

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

supervisornounUS /ˈsuːpərvaɪzər/

a person responsible for overseeing work or an operation

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

surrounded

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This rendered his situation a dangerous one, and, on more than one occasion, placed his life in jeopardy.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

trade

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

understandnounUS /understand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

universal

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At one time in particular, as he was riding after sunset on a summer evening, he came suddenly upon a gang of the most desperate smugglers in that part of the country.

violence

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

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Chapter was suggested by an occurrence of a similar kind, told me by a gentleman, now deceased, who held an important situation in the Excise, to which he had been raised by active and resolute exertions in an inferior department.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading They surrounded him, without violence, but in such a manner as to show that it would be resorted to if he offered resistance, and gave him to understand he must spend the evening with them, since they had met so happily.

zeal

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

From this reading When employed as a supervisor on the coast of Galloway, at a time when the immunities of the Isle of Man rendered smuggling almost universal in that district, this gentleman had the fortune to offend highly several of the leaders in the contraband trade, by his zeal in serving the revenue.