Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

in the past

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

a member of a municipal legislative body (as a city council)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

brought into existence

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

of or relating or belonging to a city

From this reading An enlightened civic spirit triumphed and special knowledge was invoked.

carefully weighed

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

relating to the process of education

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

having knowledge and spiritual insight

From this reading An enlightened civic spirit triumphed and special knowledge was invoked.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

English writer of adventure novels featuring Captain Horatio Hornblower (1899-1966)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

the act of departing

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

in a grudging manner

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

past form of “invoke” — summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic

From this reading An enlightened civic spirit triumphed and special knowledge was invoked.

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

law enacted by a legislative body

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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 Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

plural of “mercy” — leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

go across or through

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

a craftsman who installs and repairs pipes and fixtures and appliances

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

plural of “prerogative” — a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

issue commands or orders for

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

having a good reputation

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading An enlightened civic spirit triumphed and special knowledge was invoked.

plural of “statue” — a sculpture representing a human or animal

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Any reputable citizen was considered capable to pass judgment on statues and pictures, design a house or public building, and prescribe courses of study for school-children.

carry out

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That was twenty-five years later.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

past form of “triumph” — prove superior

From this reading An enlightened civic spirit triumphed and special knowledge was invoked.

being five more than twenty

From this reading That was twenty-five years later.

considered contrary to the best interests of the United States

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

not in agreement with or according to democratic doctrine or practice or ideals

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

up to a particular time

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

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

From this reading At this time the necessity for special knowledge as to artistic or educational matters was recognized grudgingly in Benham.

which person or people

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Since then the free-born Benhamite, little by little, through wise legislation or public opinion, born of bitter experience, has been robbed of these prerogatives until, not long ago, the un-American and undemocratic proposition to take away the laying out of the new city park from the easy going but ignorant mercies of the so-called city forester, who had been first a plumber and later an alderman, prevailed.

a late time of life

From this reading That was twenty-five years later.