used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
BATTERYnounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
CIRCUSnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
carefully weighed
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
power to direct or determine
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
ELECTRICadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
ELEPHANTnounUS /ˈeləfənt/
five-toed pachyderm
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
at any time
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
FAKEnounUS /feɪk/
something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
fakesnounUS /feɪks/
plural of “fake” — something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
FARMERSnounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/
plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
FOOLINGadjectiveUS /ˈfuːlɪŋ/
characterized by a feeling of irresponsibility
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
set up or found
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
the act of giving
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
GRAFTER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
LANDLORDSnounUS /ˈlændlɔːrdz/
plural of “landlord” — a landowner who leases to others
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
full of life and energy
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
MEDICINEnounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
the force of workers available
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/
plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
on one occasion
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
operatornounUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtər/
(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
PIPESnounUS /paɪps/
plural of “pipe” — a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
Profnoun
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
PROFESSIONALadjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
racketsnounUS /ˈrækəts/
plural of “racket” — a loud and disturbing noise
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
ripeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
SELLINGnounUS /ˈselɪŋ/
the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
smoothestadjectiveUS /ˈsmuːðəst/
superlative of “smooth” — having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
in the near future
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
tapverbUS /tæp/
cut a female screw thread with a tap
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
teamnounUS /tiːm/
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
TURNIPSnounUS /ˈtɜːrnəps/
plural of “turnip” — widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
precisely as stated
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Once more I had fallen in with a doctor, and though I never considered him as finished an operator as Prof. Carter, he was certainly one of the smoothest men I ever met.
WATCHESnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃəz/
plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
at the time that
From this reading He always had half a dozen fakes on tap, and when the hour did not seem ripe for one he tried another.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He drove a very lively team, for which I soon found there was a reason, and that he had the strength and the skill to control it.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He worked his rackets after what were then largely new methods, though now they may seem old enough to most people.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading THE NEW DOCTOR AND PROFESSIONAL GRAFTER—MEDICINE FAKE—THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MONEY—FUN WITH CROWD ON THE STREET—SELLING PIPES AND GIVING WATCHES AWAY—FOOLING THE FARMERS—THE CIRCUS, TURNIPS AND THE ELEPHANT—WORKING THE HOTEL LANDLORDS.
