Chapter I

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

in the past

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

United States author of inspirational adventure stories for boys; virtue and hard work overcome poverty (1832-1899)

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

(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 MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

third-person singular of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a youthful male person

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

-ing form of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

someone who is a detective

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

plural of “down” — soft fine feathers

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

-ing form of “earn” — earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a social unit living together

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

possessive form of “hardy” — United States slapstick comedian who played the pompous and overbearing member of the Laurel and Hardy duo who made many films (1892-1957)

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

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

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

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

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

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

From this reading See https://

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

a small worthless amount

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

a son who has the same first name as his father

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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 MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

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 years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

a boy who delivers newspapers

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

plural of “peddler” — someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

plural of “phase” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

determined

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading See https://

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

plural of “struggle” — an energetic attempt to achieve something

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

worn to shreds; or wearing torn or ragged clothing

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

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

From this reading Or, Frank Hardy’s Road to Success BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.

male cat

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

third-person singular of “up” — raise

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

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

From this reading In the present story are described the ups and downs of a boy book agent, who is forced, through the misfortunes of his father, to help provide for the family to which he belongs.

which person or people

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

produce a literary work

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

a late time of life

From this reading MANY years ago the author of the present volume resolved to write a long series of books describing various phases of village and city life, taking up in their turn the struggles of the bootblacks, the newsboys, the young peddlers, the street musicians—the lives, in fact, of all those who, though young in years, have to face the bitter necessity of earning their own living.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading AUTHOR OF “LOST AT SEA,” “NELSON THE NEWSBOY,” “OUT FOR BUSINESS,” “YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK,” “RAGGED DICK SERIES,” “TATTERED TOM SERIES,” ETC.