Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

a cherished desire

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

the post of captain

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

social status or position conferred by a system based on class

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

divisible by two

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

ranking above all others

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

plural of “fraud” — intentional deception resulting in injury to another person

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Some had made honorable records.

plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

for more time

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Some had made honorable records.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

the force of workers available

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

and nothing more

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

not any; not one

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

past form of “overshadow” — be greater in significance than

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

with speed

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

plural of “record” — anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading Some had made honorable records.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

the act of searching for something

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

the practice of owning slaves

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

the state of being under the control of another person

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

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

From this reading No longer overshadowed by a slaveholding caste, some of this class had rapidly pushed themselves forward.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

up to a particular time

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.

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

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

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

From this reading Captain George McBane had sprung from the poor-white class, to which, even more than to the slaves, the abolition of slavery had opened the door of opportunity.

belonging to which person

From this reading Of this class McBane--whose captaincy, by the way, was merely a polite fiction--had been one of the most successful.

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

From this reading Others, foremost in negro-baiting and election frauds, had done the dirty work of politics, as their fathers had done that of slavery, seeking their reward at first in minor offices,--for which men of gentler breeding did not care,--until their ambition began to reach out for higher honors.