Chapter I

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

in an adequate manner or to an adequate degree

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

aimlessly drifting

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

how long something has existed

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

plural of “bedfellow” — a temporary associate

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

the childhood of a boy

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a fragment of incombustible matter left after a wood or coal or charcoal fire

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

-ing form of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

your usual mood

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

provided or supplied or equipped with (especially as by inheritance or nature)

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

the floating wreckage of a ship

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

excluded from a society

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

easy to reach

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

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

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

possessive form of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

not challenging; dull and lacking excitement

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

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

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

not based on fact; existing only in the imagination

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

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

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

without bounds

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a health facility where patients receive treatment

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

a boy or man

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

the literary culture

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

the state of being a man; manly qualities

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

plural of “misery” — a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

used to form the superlative

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

not any; not one

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

on one occasion

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

so strong as to be irresistible

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

a person who requires medical care

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a drawing executed with pen and ink

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a separate part of a whole

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

having an agreeably pungent taste

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

past form of “predict” — make a prediction about; tell in advance

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

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

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a dirty shabbily clothed urchin

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

An object or container used to hold or store something.

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

an educational institution

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

make a shift in or exchange of

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

Scottish writer of adventure novels (1721-1771)

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

the process of becoming softer

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

a momentary flash of light

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

make steady

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

not in physical motion

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

express a supposition

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

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

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

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

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

moved around an axis or center

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

precisely as stated

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

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

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

at the time that

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

which person or people

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Let us further suppose not England but Russia to be the theatre of our hero's miseries and adventures, and the interest of the story will at once be infinitely enhanced.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But now let us suppose--a handy supposition, I admit--that our imaginary little nomad were endowed with that illuminating spark we call genius; let us suppose, too, that in late boyhood, or early manhood, he learnt to love letters, and deliberately set about describing his extraordinary experiences, as well as the strange bedfellows whom misery from time to time threw in his way--what piquant, what grotesque pen-and-ink sketches we might expect from such an inspired ragamuffin!

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It would be Oliver Twist or Humphrey Clinker telling his own tale without the softening intervention of Mr. Charles Dickens or Mr. Tobias Smollett.

a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

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

From this reading The fortunes of such a one, if adequately recorded, might, and no doubt would, be infinitely more engrossing, if less edifying, than the humdrum chronicle of the steady clerk or patient mechanic; but a prison, or workhouse infirmary, might safely be predicted as the ultimate and inevitable receptacle of such a piece of human flotsam.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading We should not give very much for the chances of a poor friendless lad of feeble constitution, vagrant disposition, and an overpowering taste for excitement, who should be turned adrift to shift for himself at an age when most young lads are still safe at school.