Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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 To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

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

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

a relation that provides the foundation for something

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

an informal term for a British policeman

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

a brief report (especially an official statement issued for immediate publication or broadcast)

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

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

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

joined together into a whole

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the state of owing something (especially money)

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

beaten or overcome; not victorious

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

plural of “dollar” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

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

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

-ing form of “earn” — earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

third-person singular of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

divisible by two

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

involving financial matters

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

the act of departing

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

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

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

a search for knowledge

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

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

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

relating or belonging to or characteristic of a municipality

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

and nothing more

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

a group of people who work together

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

yielding a fair profit

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

more desirable than another

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

a person who buys

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

with speed

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

have in common

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

-ing form of “straighten” — straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

very great or intense

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, twenty more millions of water had been added, making a total organization of fifty million dollars; and the twenty million dollars' stock had been sold to the public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one share of preferred being given one share of common.

a public utility that provides water

From this reading JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE The straightening out of the waterworks matter left Bobby free to turn his attention to the local gas and electric situation.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The _Bulletin_, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, had been put upon a paying basis and was rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight Electric Company was a thorn in his side.

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

From this reading Its only business now was the street illumination of twelve blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him money every month, and it had been a terrific task to keep it going.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight.