Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

later than; following

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

(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 After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

morally blemished; stained or impure

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant

From this reading I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

go away from a place

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

plural of “legacy” — (law) a gift of personal property by will

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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 There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

and nothing more

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

not used up

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

express in words

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

a device (such as a fan) that introduces fresh air or expels foul air

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading I leaned with my back against the wall, and, I must say, never was so miserable in my life.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The Diamond-Mines, and what occurred there--I lose my friend Ingram, and another acquaintance, but they both leave me valuable Legacies.

in or at the place that

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

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

From this reading There was not a spot where one could be driven without being defiled in some way or another; and so many human beings--one half of whom were negroes--being crowded into so small a space, with only one barred window, so high up as only to serve as a ventilator, created an atmosphere worse than any slave-vessel's hold.

a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading I was never in such a scene of filth and wretchedness.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading After remaining in the court about two hours, it being then near to nightfall, the gaolers came out into the yard, and we were all driven into a large apartment, the walls of which were of such solid materials, and the floor of large flag-stones, as to prevent any possibility of escape.