Chapter VII

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

on or to one side

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

plural of “camp” — temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

past form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

-ing form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

a state at a particular time

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

inflected form of “corral” — enclose in a corral

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

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

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

ten 10s

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

set down according to a plan

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

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 SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

the force of workers available

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

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

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

that have been left

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

by chance

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

with low volume

From this reading The members of each party by itself were quietly awaiting developments.

a district that is reserved for particular purpose

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled by external storms.

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

in the near future

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It halted for a few moments, and then like a huge serpent it slowly circled round the reservation; and by orders from the guards its wagons were finally corralled beyond our camp.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

in the direction of

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Dan and I strolled out toward the fort, and from a distance watched the movements of mounted men at that post.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Soon we observed a long mule train approaching from the east beyond Kearney.

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

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

at the time that

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading SOCIETY IN THE WILDERNESS Late in the afternoon of June 18th, when the tin supper dishes had been laid aside and the men were enjoying their after-dinner smoke, the four closely parked groups of wagons, comprising as many camps separated from each other by perhaps a hundred feet in distance, seemed for the time to be in a condition of perfect serenity.