used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
having companions or an escort
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
agreeablyadverb
in an enjoyable manner
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
a quantity of money
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
contributedverbUS /kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/
past form of “contribute” — bestow a quality on
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
corpsnounUS /kɔːr/
an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
divisible by two
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
to or in any or all places
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading THE EXPEDITION SAILS.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
GaribaldinounUS /ˌɡærəˈbɔːldi/
Italian patriot whose conquest of Sicily and Naples led to the formation of the Italian state (1807-1882)
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
Garibaldi's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
gatheringsnounUS /ˈɡæðərɪŋz/
plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
GenoanounUS /ˈdʒenoʊə/
a seaport in northwestern Italy; provincial capital of Liguria
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
GenoesenounUS /ˈdʒenoʊs/
a native or resident of Genoa
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
engage in
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
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 Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
the force of workers available
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
operanounUS /ˈɑːprə/
a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
go across or through
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
relativenounUS /ˈrelətɪv/
a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
sacrificedverbUS /ˈsækrəfaɪst/
past form of “sacrifice” — endure the loss of
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
SAILSnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading THE EXPEDITION SAILS.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
in the near future
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE EXPEDITION SAILS.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading He himself had not told, even his three friends, the amount that his mother had contributed; but Garibaldi's companions had mentioned it to others, and it soon became known to all interested in the expedition.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
warmlyadverbUS /ˈwɔːrmli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Frank spent a pleasant three weeks in Genoa.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
which person or people
From this reading Many of these were, like themselves, members of the Genoese corps; and both as a relative of two men who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom, and especially for the aid that his mother had sent to Garibaldi to enable him to carry out his plans, he was everywhere most warmly received.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The three young men did all in their power to make the time pass agreeably to him: they introduced him to their families and friends; one or the other of them always accompanied him to the theatre or opera, or, as much more frequently happened, to gatherings at their own houses or at those of acquaintances.