Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument; the reeds are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

(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 Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a person suffering from asthma

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

the amount that many barrels might hold

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

damaged by blows or hard usage

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

cattle that are reared for their meat

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

any utterance produced simultaneously by a group

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

plural of “digger” — a laborer who digs

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

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

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

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

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

provide as food

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

tasting or smelling richly of or as of fruit

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

compatibility in opinion and action

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

ten 10s

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

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

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

an extemporaneous speech or remark

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

in a literal sense

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

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

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

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 Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

according to the clock

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

on one occasion

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a full supply

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

in the near future

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

compacted by ironing

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

possessing material wealth

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

a short musical composition with words

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading “For I love the sound of the windlasses, And the cry, 'Look-out, below.'”

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

past form of “thunder” — move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

precisely as stated

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

widely or fully known

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

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

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

which person or people

From this reading At its conclusion there was much applause, and then the negro, who was an ex-sailor, was pressed, very literally, for another song.

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

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading The impromptu and “free feed” of freshly-killed beef had been a great success, and now at seven o'clock, what Vale called “the harmony” began--to wit, music from a battered cornet, an asthmatic accordion, and a weird violin.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were, however, plenty of good singing voices in the company, and presently a big, fat-faced American negro, with a rich fruity voice, struck up a well-known mining song, “The Windlasses,” and the diggers thundered out the chorus:

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Nearly a hundred noisy but contented diggers filled Vale's hotel and store, all talking at once; and outside in the yard, seated on boxes, barrels, etc., were as many more, equally as well satisfied as those within.