Chapter VII

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

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

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

disposed or willing to conform

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

a native or inhabitant of England prior to the Norman Conquest

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

someone with the power to settle matters at will

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

having a high state of culture and development both social and technological

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

plural of “community” — a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

fulfill sexually

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

gotten under control

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

make right or correct

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

third-person singular of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

treated with dislike or contempt

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

one or the other of two

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

standing above others in quality or position

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

apart from; not including

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

occurring at or forming an end or termination

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

let have

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

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

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

United States writer noted for his stories about life during the California gold rush (1836-1902)

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

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

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

in a hysterical manner

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

done or made using whatever is available

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

the condition of being physiologically lax

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

kill without legal sanction

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

the force of workers available

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

a group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

an incorrect conception

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

used to form the superlative

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

not any; not one

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

on one occasion

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

on the contrary

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

a strong line

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

plural of “scoundrel” — a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

happening or arising without apparent external cause

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

in or at that place or location

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

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

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

in the nature of something though not readily apparent

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

having no previous example or precedent or parallel

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

precisely as stated

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.

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

From this reading Far more accurate is the observation of that eminent critic, Mr. Watts-Dunton: "Bret Harte's characters are amenable to no laws except the improvised laws of the camp, and the final arbiter is either the six-shooter or the rope of Judge Lynch.

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

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

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

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

in the company of; together with

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading PIONEER LAW AND LAWLESSNESS California certainly contained what Borthwick describes as "the elite of the most desperate and consummate scoundrels from every part of the world"; but they were in a very small minority, and the rather common idea that the miners were a mass of brutal and ignorant men is a wild misconception.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading An English writer once remarked, somewhat hysterically, "Bret Harte had to deal with countries and communities of an almost unexampled laxity, a laxity passing the laxity of savages, the laxity of civilized men grown savage."

but in spite of that

From this reading And yet underlying this apparent lawlessness there is that deep law-abiding-ness which the late Grant Allen despised as being the Anglo-Saxon characteristic."

past form of “yield” — be the cause or source of

From this reading The almost spontaneous manner in which mining laws came into existence, and the ready obedience which the miners yielded to them, show how correct is the view taken by Mr. Watts-Dunton.