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Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day
Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day

Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

Chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day is here in full — 44 sentences across 9 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day
Context Illustration Reading 1/8 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.
To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.
It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.
Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classesthe gay old boys, and the steady old boys.
The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day

Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

Chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day is here in full — 44 sentences across 9 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/8 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head ofOld Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.
Line 2
To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.
Line 3
It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.
Line 4
Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classesthe gay old boys, and the steady old boys.
Line 5
The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

Disguise noun US /dɪsˈɡaɪz/

A means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity.

From this reading “The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.”

All words in this reading · 114

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

advance

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

alarmingly

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

all

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

an

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

and

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

are

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

as

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

assume

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

at

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

augmenting

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

be

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

been

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

Boys

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

but

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

causes

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

classes

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

classification

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

column

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

considering

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

curious

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

day-time

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

detail

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

determine

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

devote

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

dimensions

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

disguisenounUS /dɪsˈɡaɪz/

A means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity.

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

disposed

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

distinct

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

down

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

especially

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

excuse

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

extensive

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

fact

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

few

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

foppishness

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

frequent

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

gay

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

general

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

gradually

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

had

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

have

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

head

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

here

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

If

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

immediately

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

in

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

increase

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

inexperience

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

interesting

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

into

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

is

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

It

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

kind

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

lady

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

last

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

levity

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

make

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

management

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

men

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

minutely

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

moment

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

most

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

night

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

not

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

numbers

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

of

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

Old

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

old-boy

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

on

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

ones

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

or

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

particular

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

paunchy

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

population

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

precise

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

Quadrant

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

rapid

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

Regent-street

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

require

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

review

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

set

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

should

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

simply

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

society

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

space

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

speculation

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

state

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

steady

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

subdivide

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

subject

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

sufficient

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

that

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

the

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

theatres

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

there

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

they

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

this

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

to

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

traced

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

two

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

unable

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

under

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

Upon

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

we

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

what

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

From this reading To what precise causes the rapid advance of old-boy population is to be traced, we are unable to determine.

who

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

whom

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

within

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

without

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

From this reading Upon a general review of the subject, and without considering it minutely in detail, we should be disposed to subdivide the old boys into two distinct classes—the gay old boys, and the steady old boys.

would

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

From this reading If we had to make a classification of society, there is a particular kind of men whom we should immediately set down under the head of ‘Old Boys;’ and a column of most extensive dimensions the old boys would require.

years

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

From this reading It would be an interesting and curious speculation, but, as we have not sufficient space to devote to it here, we simply state the fact that the numbers of the old boys have been gradually augmenting within the last few years, and that they are at this moment alarmingly on the increase.

young

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

youth

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

From this reading The gay old boys, are paunchy old men in the disguise of young ones, who frequent the Quadrant and Regent-street in the day-time: the theatres (especially theatres under lady management) at night; and who assume all the foppishness and levity of boys, without the excuse of youth or inexperience.

Chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day by Charles Dickens holds 44 sentences, grouped into 9 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day contain?

Chapter 28 holds 44 sentences of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day, unabridged, divided into 9 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 44 sentences, grouped into 9 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 28 of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day?

Work through the 9 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 9 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 28 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 28 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day

Common questions about reading Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day?

Yes. All 8759 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #882 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #882, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1752 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day section by section

How to work through Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Conveyed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Those
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Short
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Words
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.