Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

having companions or an escort

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

plural of “affection” — a positive feeling of liking

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

later than; following

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

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 Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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 Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

set up or found

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

avoiding waste

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

an established custom

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

the state capital of Connecticut; located in central Connecticut on the Connecticut river; a center of the insurance business

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

not based on fact; existing only in the imagination

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

on one occasion

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

skillful after much practice

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

most frequent or common

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

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

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

on the contrary

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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 Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

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

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

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

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

not yet payable

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

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

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.

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

From this reading Many such places offered themselves, between the settlements of Weathersfield and Hartford, and that imaginary line which separated the possessions of the colony he had quitted, from those of the one he joined.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

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

From this reading Accompanied by a few followers, he proceeded on an exploring expedition, and the end of the summer found him once more established on an estate that he had acquired by the usual simple forms practised in the colonies, and at the trifling cost for which extensive districts were then set apart as the property of individuals.

during the time that

From this reading The love of the things of this life, while it certainly existed, was far from being predominant in the affections of the Puritan.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He contented himself, therefore, with acquiring an estate that should be valuable, rather from its quality and beauty, than from its extent.

characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world

From this reading He was frugal from habit and principle, more than from an undue longing after worldly wealth.