Chapter XXI

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

maintain with or as if with a bet

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

plural of “bower” — a framework that supports climbing plants

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

an occurrence of something

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

the state of being certain

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

someone with a promising future

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

wanted intensely

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

plural of “difference” — the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

plural of “emigrant” — someone who leaves one country to settle in another

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

opinion or judgment

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

enclose with a fence

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

a musician who plays the violin

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

set up or found

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

past form of “hitch” — to hook or entangle

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

a message received and understood

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

an occurrence of something

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

set down according to a plan

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

calm by deception

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

most important element

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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 “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

the force of workers available

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

laborer who works in a mine

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the manner in which someone utters a word

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

providing abundant nourishment

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

unusual or striking

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

in the near future

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading For instance, an acquaintance of mine in early days who had from curiosity studied the peculiarities of the emigrants from the various States, said that he could tell, as soon as he laid his eyes upon a new comer, what State the latter was from.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

express in words

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

without force or sincere effort

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

the act of testing something

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

a source of difficulty

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

not known

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading THEIR NAMES UNKNOWN--THE TYPES OF MEN IN THE MINES--PIKE’S ILLUSTRATION OF MISSOURI CHARACTER--BOB THE FIDDLER--THE POWER OF MUSIC ILLUSTRATED--JOHN KELLEY THE MUSICIAN--JOE BOWERS--JEFF VISITS PIONEER HALL--OLD MINERS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

(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 “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

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

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

at the time that

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

which person or people

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the words that are spoken

From this reading For in those early times, when the various States were more thinly settled than at present, the individuals of each State possessed some peculiarity of form, feature, or, their pronunciation of certain words, by which they could be distinguished, that is, by any one who took the trouble to study the differences between them.

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

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.

a late time of life

From this reading During a lull in the conversation about this time, it was mentioned by an old miner as a singular circumstance, that although the old-timers present had been acquainted with each other for nearly forty years, he would bet his old blind mule, that was hitched to the fence outside, “agin a chew of tobacco,” they couldn’t tell the names of one another, which was found upon trial to be the case.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Well, boys,” said Yank, “in old times we didn’t ask the name of a man; but whar are you from was the main question, the information to be desired, and many had become so accustomed to satisfying their curiosity upon this point that in course of time it was possible to tell with some certainty what State a man was from by his general appearance.