All 7 Uses

tone
in
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
(Auto-generated)

They would sometimes sing the most pathetic sentiment in the most rapturous tone, and the most rapturous sentiment in the most pathetic tone.
Chpt 2

tone = the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something
They would sometimes sing the most pathetic sentiment in the most rapturous tone, and the most rapturous sentiment in the most pathetic tone.
Chpt 2
"I won't!" said Henry, in a firm tone, indicating his readiness to meet the consequences of his refusal.
Chpt 10 *
"No, I won't!" said Henry, in a still stronger tone.
Chpt 10
"Shoot, shoot,--and be damned! I won't be tied!" This he said in a tone of loud defiance; and at the same time, with a motion as quick as lightning, he with one single stroke dashed the pistols from the hand of each constable.
Chpt 10
APPENDIX: I find, since reading over the foregoing Narrative, that I have, in several instances, spoken in such a tone and manner, respecting religion, as may possibly lead those unacquainted with my religious views to suppose me an opponent of all religion.
Chpt Appe

Uses with a meaning too common or too rare to warrant foucs:

Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains.†
Chpt 2 *

Definitions:

(1) (tone as in: the tone of the essay)
the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something -- especially of something said or written
(2) (meaning too common or too rare to warrant focus)
See a comprehensive dictionary for the many other common and less common meanings of tone including:
- a quality of sound, music, or voice
- a quality of color
- a quality of muscles seen after exercise, or the act of exercising to create that quality
- signals from a telephone
The expression "tone down", means to make something less forceful.