Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

later than; following

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

an excavation for ore or precious stones or for archaeology

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading “No! not all!” explained Mike.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

coins made of gold

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

immediately past

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

engage in

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

not any; not one

From this reading “No! not all!” explained Mike.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “No! not all!” explained Mike.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

plural of “old-timer” — an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

and nothing more

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

a terrorist group of Protestants who oppose any political settlement with Irish nationalists; a paramilitary group that attacks Catholic interests in Northern Ireland

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

plural of “pioneer” — someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

an alluvial deposit that contains particles of some valuable mineral

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

-ing form of “prospect” — search for something desirable

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

a person who owns or operates a ranch

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

possessing material wealth

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

comparative of “rich” — possessing material wealth

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

Identical; not different.

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

in or at that place or location

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

a vagrant

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

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

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

at the time that

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers; common throughout western Europe

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

which person or people

From this reading An old rancher, a neighbor of Mike, who was present, now asked the question, why it was that so many of the old pioneers were so poor? for being here at the first, when the mines were so rich, the gold so easy to get, and all kinds of business so good, they should all be wealthy now.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE OLD-TIMERS SO POOR--THE UNCERTAINTY OF MINING--TEX AND BARTON LEE--TEX AND THE HOUND--TEX ON BOARD THE STEAMER--TEX AT GOLGONA.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading Whin ther shallow placer mines begun to give out, an’ we could only make small wages, do yez see, thin ther b’ys commenced to tramp about among ther mountains to hunt for richer diggings, for after workin’ such rich claims at first, they were not contint to work for smaller wages, an’ ther most of thim spint their money in that way, do yez see, in thrampin’ about ther country prospecting for richer diggings.

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

From this reading “It is thrue ainough that we old pioneers got ther crame ov it by being here first, but yez see we thought ’twas jest agoin’ to last ther whole toime, and that there could be no ind to it, do yez moind, so we spint our money frayly, for it come aisy, an’ went ther same way.