1787
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
abolitionnounUS /ˌæbəˈlɪʃən/
the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
(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 At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
assistverbUS /əˈsɪst/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
CanadanounUS /ˈkænədə/
a nation in northern North America; the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
clothing in general
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
travel across or pass over
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
ErienounUS /ˈɪri/
a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western New York
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
a social unit living together
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
forwardingnounUS /ˈfɔːrwərdɪŋ/
the act of sending on to another destination
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/
plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
ten 10s
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
includingverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
IndiananounUS /ˌɪndiˈænə/
a state in midwestern United States
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
engage in
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
northernadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrðərn/
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
northwardadverbUS /ˈnɔːrθwərd/
in a northern direction
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
objectedverbUS /əbˈdʒektəd/
past form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
OhionounUS /oʊˈhaɪoʊ/
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
quakernounUS /ˈkweɪkər/
a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
railwaynounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
regularlyadverbUS /ˈreɡjələrli/
in a regular manner
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
residingverbUS /rɪˈzaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
slave-trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
slaverynounUS /ˈsleɪvəri/
the state of being under the control of another person
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
in the near future
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
taskmasters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
in or at that place or location
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
under the level of the ground
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
WabashnounUS /ˈwɔːbæʃ/
a tributary of the Ohio River that rises in western Ohio and flows southwestward across Indiana
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading At that time what was called "the underground railway" was not regularly established, but there were a large number of persons in the northern states, including all the members of the Society of Friends, who objected to slavery as much as my father did, and were always ready to assist fugitives running away from their cruel taskmasters.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading He was then to make his way through Indiana to Ohio, whence he could cross Lake Erie into Canada.
which person or people
From this reading My father was acquainted with a quaker family residing not much more than a hundred miles from us in the former state on the Wabash, and they were sure to be ready to assist him on his journey by forwarding him on to other friends who held their principles.
Wilberforce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The movement in England in favour of the abolition of the slave-trade had been commenced by Wilberforce in 1787.
in the company of; together with
From this reading My father's intention was, as soon as he had recovered, to supply him with a suit of clothes and some money, and to carry him off during the night northward.
