used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading ACROSS THE BORDER.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
astrayadverbUS /əˈstreɪ/
away from the right path or direction
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
BORDERnounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading ACROSS THE BORDER.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
cowboysnounUS /ˈkaʊbɔɪz/
plural of “cowboy” — a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
give a description of
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
detailnounUS /dɪˈteɪl/
an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/
plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
gainingverbUS /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
the act of departing
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
Harman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
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 They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
most important element
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
NickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
an amount of time
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
a legal document giving official permission to do something
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
poniesnounUS /ˈpoʊniz/
plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the possibility of future success
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
prudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/
discretion in practical affairs
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
pursuersnounUS /pərˈsuːərz/
plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
Ribsam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
Rickard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
Slidham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
TexansnounUS /ˈteksənz/
plural of “texan” — a native or resident of Texas
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ACROSS THE BORDER.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It was easy, therefore, for the three to cover the same ground as their pursuers, and, having as good a start, there was little prospect of the parties gaining sight of each other until those in advance chose to permit it.
vergenounUS /vɜːrdʒ/
a region marking a boundary
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
Watrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Texans and Herbert Watrous pushed their ponies to the verge of prudence; but though the skill of the cowboys saved them from going astray, and there never was any danger of losing the trail of the fugitives, they failed to catch sight of them during that period.
(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 They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They knew that Nick Ribsam rode a horse fully the equal, if not the superior, of those following him, and it was shown that Bell Rickard and Harman Slidham were well mounted.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading NOW came several days’ experience, so similar in its main features that it is not worth while to describe it in detail.
