Chapter XIV

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

(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 Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

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

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

being in a state of proper equilibrium

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

(of hats) having a broad brim

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

rid of obstructions

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

in a clever manner

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

large voracious aquatic reptile having a long snout with massive jaws and sharp teeth and a body covered with bony plates; of sluggish tropical waters

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

with dexterity; in a dexterous manner

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

with great urgency

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

inflected form of “deter” — try to prevent; show opposition to

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

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

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

an opposing military force

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a native or inhabitant of the Philippines

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

of a yellowish brown color

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

inflected form of “outwit” — beat through cleverness and wit

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

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

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

having confidence restored; freed from anxiety

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

precisely, exactly

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

cut with a saw

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

not tense or taut

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

one of the islands of Saint Christopher-Nevis

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

move hurridly

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

inflected form of “spin” — revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

travel through water

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

the act of swimming

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Phil saw the broad-brimmed sombrero of their enemy floating on the surface and a fear instantly filled his thoughts that Salas might not swim.

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

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

in the direction of

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

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

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

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

From this reading The next second he was reassured; the head of the native covered with thick black hair could be plainly seen swimming toward the far shore; the menacing presence of the crocodile had deterred him from attempting to reach the land but a few strokes away.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading “Turn her down-stream,” the midshipman ordered in a hoarse voice, as he flung the struggling man into the water clear of the rocking boat.

done or happening at the appropriate or proper time

From this reading Maria by a well-timed stroke had instantly spun the canoe about, and all four bent desperately to their paddles.

in the company of; together with

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.

a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones

From this reading CLEVERLY OUTWITTED As Salas’ hand slowly drew his revolver from its holster, Phil’s right hand with the speed of a mongoos seizing its prey clutched the slender wrist of the outlaw; the lad’s left hand had moved deftly to the slack of the native’s strong khaki trousers, and the next second he had raised the surprised Filipino from off his seat and held him for an instant balanced in the air.