Chapter VII · Old Bandit Days

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

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

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

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

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

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

the two together, not just one

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

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

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

a city of southeastern Pennsylvania on the Delaware river (an industrial suburb of Philadelphia)

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

past form of “chuckle” — laugh quietly or with restraint

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

someone who is a detective

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

possessive form of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

involving financial matters

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

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

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

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

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

not to be dispensed with; essential

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

without good reason

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

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

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

the force of workers available

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

plural of “option” — the right to buy or sell property at an agreed price; the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

above and across; more than

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

the act of searching for something

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

a male human offspring

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

a loose affiliation of gangsters in charge of organized criminal activities

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

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

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

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

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

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

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

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

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The owner had spoken lightly of the negotiations, and had chuckled in a sinister way about the money he had frequently made over unexercised options.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

belonging to which person

From this reading But this time it was a Los Angeles syndicate that was seeking the property, composed of men whose financial reputation and keen business ability Willoughby knew well.

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

From this reading ON the evening of the day that followed the big round-up of cattle, Dick Willoughby and Chester Munson rode over to the store.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As they cantered along, both men were pre-occupied with their thoughts.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.

the act of harassing someone

From this reading Dick was not worrying over his sharp passage of words with his employer’s son, for he knew that his services at the present time were quite indispensable, more especially if the rancho was to be sold to the best advantage.