Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

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

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

method or manner of conduct in relation to others

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

a branch of knowledge

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

past form of “disdain” — look down on with disdain

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

cause to move by pulling

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

free from traditional social restraints

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

freeing someone from the control of another; especially a parent's relinquishing authority and control over a minor child

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

have as a logical consequence

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

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

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

ten 10s

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

something that is lost

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

without pity; in a merciless manner

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

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

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

not any; not one

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

not often

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

action taken in return for an injury or offense

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

precisely, exactly

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

an educational institution

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)

From this reading The white man had no right to scourge the emancipated Negro, still less has he a right to kill him.

past form of “scourge” — punish severely; excoriate

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

a person who is owned by someone

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

not in physical motion

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

carry out

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

fixed and absolute and without contingency

From this reading But Emancipation came and the vested interests of the white man in the Negro's body were lost.

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

From this reading The slave was rarely killed, he was too valuable; it was easier and quite as effective, for discipline or revenge, to sell him "Down South."

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

during the time that

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

a Caucasian

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But the Southern white people had been educated so long in that school of practice, in which might makes right, that they disdained to draw strict lines of action in dealing with the Negro.

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

From this reading While slaves were scourged mercilessly, and in countless cases inhumanly treated in other respects, still the white owner rarely permitted his anger to go so far as to take a life, which would entail upon him a loss of several hundred dollars.