Chapter XXVIII · Coming Home from California

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

plural of “battalion” — an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

plural of “burden” — an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

without care or concern

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

plural of “carriage” — a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

clothing in general

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

plural of “coach” — (sports) someone in charge of training an athlete or a team

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

plural of “convict” — a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

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

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

an association of criminals

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

befitting a man of good breeding

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

coins made of gold

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

plural of “hack” — one who works hard at boring tasks

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

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

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

plural of “hotel” — a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

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

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

and nothing more

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

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

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

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

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

the force of workers available

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

not any; not one

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

in other respects or ways

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

above and across; more than

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

invade in great numbers

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

on the contrary

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

cause to become

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

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

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

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

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

a special situation

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

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

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

soiled from travel

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

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

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.

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

From this reading His appearance was rather picturesque than otherwise, for he was one of these persons whom no disarray of costume could render less than gentlemanly.

belonging to which person

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

fully awake

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

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

From this reading A steamer had just arrived, bringing passengers from the gold regions of California,—a rough, wild-looking set, whose half-savage aspect gave the impression of a gang of returned convicts, rather than of refined and enterprising men, as most of them undoubtedly were.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading In fact, a black wide-awake, set carelessly a little on one side of his head, was the most becoming thing in the world, and a Mexican blanket, bought from a fellow-passenger and flung over his arm, gave a brilliant contrast to his gray and travel-soiled clothes.

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

From this reading To have seen the coaches and hacks as they gave up their burdens at the various hotels, one would have fancied that the inhabitants of Van Diemen’s land had escaped in battalions, and were about to overrun the country.

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

From this reading One of these carriages drew up at the Astor House, and a young man sprang out, carrying a portmanteau, which seemed of considerable weight, in his hand.