Chapter XXXVI

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean and off the Atlantic coast of North America (died in 1718)

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

a period of 100 years

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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 PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

get the meaning of something

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

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

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

your usual mood

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

plural of “distance” — the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

ensure observance of laws and rules

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

have an existence, be extant

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

the head of a state government

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

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

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

only a very short time before

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

immediately past

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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 They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

engage in

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

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

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

the force of workers available

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading It is the natural disposition of every one to get all that he can.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

by chance

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

Goods or treasure taken by force or theft, especially in war or banditry.

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

plural of “settlement” — 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 They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

have in common

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading They lived mostly in little settlements, separated by long distances from one another, so that they could neither make nor enforce laws to protect themselves.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading At that time the American colonists were in general a rough, rugged people, knowing nothing of the finer things of life.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Each man or little group of men had to depend upon his or their own strength to keep what belonged to them, and to prevent fierce men or groups of men from seizing what did not belong to them.

at the time that

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.

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

From this reading PREPARATION WE, OF THESE times, protected as we are by the laws and by the number of people about us, can hardly comprehend such a life as that of the American colonies in the early part of the last century, when it was possible for a pirate like Blackbeard to exist, and for the governor and the secretary of the province in which he lived perhaps to share his plunder, and to shelter and to protect him against the law.