Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

past form of “accord” — go together

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

for the reason that

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

a strip of land projecting into a body of water

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

plural of “colonist” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

changing to a lower state (a less respected state)

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading This was to some extent true.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

not working or taking effect

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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 Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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 At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

United States poet (1869-1950)

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

made less severe or intense

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

not any; not one

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

and nothing more

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

above and across; more than

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

plural of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

an adult castrated bull of the genus Bos; especially Bos taurus

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

having or expressing strong emotions

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

an amount of time

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

almost; nearly

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

new

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

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

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

state of subjection to an owner or master or forced labor imposed as punishment

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

the state of being under the control of another person

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading This was to some extent true.

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

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

not in physical motion

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading This was to some extent true.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading This was to some extent true.

interact in a certain way

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading This was to some extent true.

impossible to sell

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

being of use or service

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading This was to some extent true.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

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

From this reading At the same time, although not absolute slaves, the Hottentots were practically in a state of servitude, in which the freedom accorded to them by Government had, by one subterfuge or another, been rendered inoperative.

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

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

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

From this reading But the Hottentots, or original natives of the South African soil, having been declared unsaleable, and therefore not "property," were in many cases treated with greater degradation by their masters than the slaves, were made to work like them, but not cared for or fed like them, because not so valuable.

produce a literary work

From this reading At the time we write of, slavery, being still permitted in the British colonies, the Dutch, and other Cape colonists, possessed great numbers of negro slaves, whom it was their interest to treat well, as being valuable "property," and whom most of them probably did treat well, as a man will treat a useful horse or ox, though of course there were--as there always must be in the circumstances--many instances of cruelty, by passionate and brutal owners.

plural of “wrong” — that which is contrary to the principles of justice or law

From this reading Not long before this period the colonists possessed absolute power over the Hottentots, and although recent efforts had been made to legislate in their favour, their wrongs had only been mitigated,--by no means redressed.