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The Virginians
The Virginians

Chapter XXXIX · Yankee Doodle comes to Town

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Context Illustration Reading 1/77 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.
Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.
And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.
I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.
He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Virginians

Chapter XXXIX · Yankee Doodle comes to Town

Reading 1/77 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.
Line 2
Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.
Line 3
And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.
Line 4
I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.
Line 5
He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Besides preposition US /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading “Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

Discharged verb US /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/

released from a duty or job

From this reading “Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.”

Duty noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.”

Honest adjective US /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading “He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

Precious adjective US /ˈpreʃəs/

rare and worth a great deal

From this reading “And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.”

Ship noun US /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

Sure noun US /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.”

Worthy adjective US /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading “I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.”

All words in this reading · 126

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

America

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

animals

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

assigned

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

bailiffs

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

best

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

black

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

brave

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

breed

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

British

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

browse

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

busying

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

care

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

civilisation

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

colonial

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

colonies

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

congregation

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

convicts

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

Cook

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

country

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

credit

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

days

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

demeaned

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

despair

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

dischargedverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/

released from a duty or job

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

discovered

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

dissipation

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

dominion

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

employment

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

England

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

English

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

European

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

far

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

find

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

get

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

give

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

glad

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

guilty

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

Hagan

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/

truthful and trustworthy

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

husband

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

islanders

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

king

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

kinswoman

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

living

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

made

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

matter

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

Mr

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

newly

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

old

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

other

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

patronage

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

perhaps

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/

rare and worth a great deal

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

presents

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

propagate

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

pulpit-cushion

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

put

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From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

refuge

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From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

samples

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From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

scapegraces

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

send

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

servants

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

sheep

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

shipnounUS /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

shores

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

sinners

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

small

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

sons

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

specimens

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

surenounUS /sure/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

there

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

thoroughly

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

thump

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

too

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

From this reading He demeaned himself there as a brave honest gentleman, to be sure; he did his duty thoroughly by his congregation, and his king too; and in so far did credit to my small patronage.

transported

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

uninhabitable

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

used

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

uses

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

Virginia

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

voyages

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

From this reading And as Mr. Cook, in his voyages, made his newly discovered islanders presents of English animals (and other specimens of European civilisation), we used to take care to send samples of our black sheep over to the colonies, there to browse as best they might, and propagate their precious breed.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading One of the uses to which we put America in the days of our British dominion was to make it a refuge for our sinners.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading I myself was perhaps a little guilty in this matter, in busying myself to find a living in America for the worthy Hagan, husband of my kinswoman,--at least was guilty in so far as this, that as we could get him no employment in England, we were glad to ship him to Virginia, and give him a colonial pulpit-cushion to thump.

younger

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

From this reading Besides convicts and assigned servants whom we transported to our colonies, we discharged on their shores scapegraces and younger sons, for whom dissipation, despair, and bailiffs made the old country uninhabitable.