Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

later than; following

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

put on clothes

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

render capable or able for some task

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

superlative of “faint” — deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

(usually followed by “to”) determined by tragic fate

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

a .45-caliber pistol

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

set up or found

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

plural of “gang” — an association of criminals

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

not fake or counterfeit

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

plural of “impostor” — a person who makes deceitful pretenses

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

past form of “institute” — set up or lay the groundwork for

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

plural of “mason” — American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

the force of workers available

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

not any; not one

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

plural of “pathan” — a member of the mountain people living in the eastern regions of Afghanistan

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

work paid for according to the quantity produced

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

arranged for pictorial purposes

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

continue talking

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

plural of “rupee” — the basic unit of money in Sri Lanka; equal to 100 cents

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

and nothing more

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

in the near future

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

required or under orders

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

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

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I have already described our troubles with the lions; and no sooner did the beasts of prey appear to have deserted us, for the time being at any rate, than other troubles, no less serious, arose with the workmen themselves.

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

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.

which person or people

From this reading The men who were sent me for this purpose were mostly Pathans and were supposed to be expert workmen; but I soon found that many of them had not the faintest notion of stone-cutting, and were simply ordinary coolies who had posed as masons in order to draw forty-five instead of twelve rupees a month.

in the company of; together with

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading After I had discovered the stone for the bridge, I sent down to the coast for gangs of masons to work and dress it.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading TROUBLES WITH THE WORKMEN It seemed fated that the building of the Tsavo Bridge should never be allowed to proceed in peace for any length of time.

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

From this reading On discovering this fact, I immediately instituted a system of piecework, and drew up a scale of pay which would enable the genuine mason to earn his forty-five rupees a month--and a little more if he felt inclined--and would cut down the impostors to about their proper pay as coolies.