used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
AllennounUS /ˈælən/
United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE STREETS AND THE COURT HOUSE.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading THE STREETS AND THE COURT HOUSE.
courtsnounUS /kɔːrts/
plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
crowdsnounUS /kraʊdz/
plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
eager-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
enthralledadjectiveUS /enˈθrɔːld/
filled with wonder and delight
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
exciteverbUS /ɪkˈsaɪt/
arouse or elicit a feeling
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
fascinationnounUS /ˌfæsəˈneɪʃən/
the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
ferociousadjectiveUS /fərˈoʊʃəs/
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
set up or found
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
provoking horror
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
intense and profound fear
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE STREETS AND THE COURT HOUSE.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
jostlingnounUS /ˈdʒɑːsəlɪŋ/
the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
Katharine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
the force of workers available
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
something you have to do
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
participate in games or sport
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
populacenounUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
possessesverbUS /pəˈzesəz/
third-person singular of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
PuritannounUS /ˈpjʊrətən/
a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
not often
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading THE STREETS AND THE COURT HOUSE.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE STREETS AND THE COURT HOUSE.
themenounUS /θiːm/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The events which caused the arrest of Katharine Allen had been a favorite theme of conversation for months.
a special situation
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
tragicadjectiveUS /ˈtrædʒɪk/
very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
the act of testing something
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
in or at the place that
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In a Puritan State, where places of amusement are seldom found, any thing calculated to excite public curiosity is an event which makes the most painful occasions a sort of holiday for the populace.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The next day found a crowd around the court house, hours before the time for opening--an eager-eyed, jostling throng, to whom a trial for life was sure to bring keen excitement of some kind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The horrible fascination which a trial like that always possesses for the human mind was added to other feelings with which the people of that day frequented the courts of justice, and any trial which had a tragic interest for the people, drew crowds around the court house, full of eager curiosity, and sometimes almost ferocious excitement--crowds which watched the progress of events like men enthralled by the horror of a terrible play.
