Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

in the past

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “birth” — the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “boom” — a deep prolonged loud noise

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

superlative of “busy” — actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

noisy like the sound of a bee

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

well in the past; former

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

past form of “fare” — proceed or get along

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

plural of “gain” — a quantity that is added

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

a farewell remark

From this reading "GOOD-BYE--MY IDEAL!"

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

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

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

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading "GOOD-BYE--MY IDEAL!"

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

city in the northeastern part of South Africa near Pretoria; commercial center for diamond and gold industries

From this reading Johannesburg once more.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

very generous

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

splendid or imposing in size or appearance

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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 The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

plural of “mesh” — the number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

plural of “millionaire” — a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Johannesburg once more.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "GOOD-BYE--MY IDEAL!"

not any; not one

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

treated with oil

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

on one occasion

From this reading Johannesburg once more.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

ostentatiously rich and superior in quality

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

a small piece of cloth or paper

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

with speed

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

considered individually

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

worried and uneasy

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

plural of “rumour” — gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

in a sumptuous and opulent manner

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

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

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

a journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

an old word for “to”

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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 Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a short light gust of air

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

during the time that

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

which person or people

From this reading Many of those who then were among its busiest inhabitants had departed, some to a land whence there is no return, others to the land of their respective births.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

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

From this reading Many, who then had been on the verge of millionaires, "buzzing" their rapidly acquired gains with a lavish magnificence which they imagined to be "princely"--were now uncertificated bankrupts, or had blown their brains out, or had come within the meshes of the law and the walls of a convict prison; while others, who at that time lived upon hope and the "whiff of an oiled rag," now fared sumptuously every day, and would do so unto their lives' end.

a late time of life

From this reading The great, restless gold-town had passed through many changes, many booms and rumours of booms--the latter for the most part--since that quiet _trek_ now four years ago.