Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

plural of “advance” — a movement forward

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

in addition

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

(Latin) year

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

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

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

(used in the plural) the stage of a theater

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

a fractional monetary unit of several countries

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

-ing form of “charge” — to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

plural of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

plural of “fine” — money extracted as a penalty

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

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

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

ten 10s

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

not corresponding in size or degree or extent

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

past form of “invoke” — summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

of less size or importance

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

plural of “loan” — the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

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

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

the largest possible quantity

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

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

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

sculpture produced by molding

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

a periodical that is published every month (or 12 issues per year)

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

extremely wicked

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

not any; not one

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

many times at short intervals

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

for each

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

plural of “price” — the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

plural of “renewal” — the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

-ing form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

plural of “shark” — any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading By their nefarious methods of charging the maximum legal rate of interest and then exacting a commission for monthly renewals of loans, the poor and the dependent were oftentimes made to pay several hundred per cent. interest per annum.

(in formal usage, especially legal usage) for that or for it

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

the act of using

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

From this reading By no sort of subterfuge were they to be permitted to be usurious.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.

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

From this reading The criminal code was to be invoked and protracted terms in prison, in addition to fines, were to be used against them.

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

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading THE COTTON CORNER In modeling the laws, Dru called to the attention of those boards that were doing that work, the so-called "loan sharks," and told them to deal with them with a heavy hand.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading He also called attention to a lesser, though serious, evil, of the practice of farmers, mine-owners, lumbermen and other employers of ignorant labor, of making advances of food, clothing and similar necessities to their tenants or workmen, and charging them extortionate prices therefor, thus securing the use of their labor at a cost entirely incommensurate with its value.