used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
adaptedadjectiveUS /əˈdæptɪd/
changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
apenounUS /eɪp/
any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
attemptsnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
benchesnounUS /ˈbentʃɪz/
plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
cabin-door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
convergeverbUS /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/
be adjacent or come together
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
costumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
countlessadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊntləs/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
elevatedadjectiveUS /ˈeləveɪtɪd/
raised above the ground
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
excursionnounUS /ɪkˈskɜːrʒən/
a journey taken for pleasure
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
GentnounUS /dʒent/
informal abbreviation of “gentleman”
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
gentilitynounUS /dʒenˈtɪlɪti/
elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
GENTSnounUS /dʒents/
plural of “gent” — informal abbreviation of “gentleman”
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
incapableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/
(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
joiningnounUS /ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
labouringadjective
doing arduous or unpleasant work
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
ludicrousadjectiveUS /ˈluːdəkrəs/
broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
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 No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
myriads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
not any; not one
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
and nothing more
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
paddle-boxes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
peculiarlyadverbUS /pɪˈkjuːljərli/
uniquely or characteristically
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
prefersverbUS /prəˈfɜːrz/
third-person singular of “prefer” — like better; value more highly
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
producesnounUS /prəˈduːsəz/
plural of “produce” — fresh fruits and vegetable grown for the market
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
réunion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
sitsverbUS /sɪts/
third-person singular of “sit” — be seated
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
situationsnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
specimensnounUS /ˈspesəmənz/
plural of “specimen” — an example regarded as typical of its class
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
steamboatnounUS /ˈstiːmboʊt/
a boat propelled by a steam engine
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
steamboatsnounUS /ˈstiːmboʊts/
plural of “steamboat” — a boat propelled by a steam engine
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
steersmannoun
the person who steers a ship
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
strenuousadjectiveUS /ˈstrenjuːəs/
characterized by or performed with much energy or force
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
tawdryadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːdri/
tastelessly showy
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
the upper part of anything
From this reading He prefers the top of the cabin-door—the steps of the paddle-boxes—the platform on which the steersman is elevated, and the like situations.
tournure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
in the direction of
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
varietiesnounUS /vərˈaɪətiz/
plural of “variety” — a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
vulgaritynounUS /vəlˈɡerɪti/
the quality of lacking taste and refinement
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
at the time that
From this reading When joining a steamboat excursion the Gent never sits on the regular benches placed for that purpose.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
in the company of; together with
From this reading OF GENTS ON THE RIVER THE grand gathering of Gents is only to be met with as one universal réunion of all their varieties, on board the Sunday steamboats.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Their strenuous attempts to ape gentility—a bad style of word, we admit, but one peculiarly adapted to our purpose—are to us more painful than ludicrous: and the labouring man, dressed in the usual costume of his class is, in our eyes, far more respectable than the Gent, in his dreary efforts to assume a style and tournure which he is so utterly incapable of carrying out.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading No city in the world produces so many holiday specimens of tawdry vulgarity as London: and the river appears to be the point towards which all the countless myriads converge.
