used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
abundancenounUS /əˈbʌndəns/
the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
accessnounUS /ˈækses/
the right to enter
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
adepts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
move towards
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
arrowsnounUS /ˈæroʊz/
plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
assailantsnounUS /əˈseɪlənts/
plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
attackedverbUS /əˈtækt/
past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
bowsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
breastworknoun
fortification consisting of a low wall
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
concealingnounUS /kənˈsiːlɪŋ/
the activity of keeping something secret
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
encampedverbUS /ɪnˈkæmpt/
past form of “encamp” — live in or as if in a tent
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/
come together
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
foesnounUS /foʊz/
plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
hobbledverbUS /ˈhɑːbəld/
past form of “hobble” — walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
localitiesnounUS /loʊˈkælɪtiz/
plural of “locality” — a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
logsnounUS /lɔːɡz/
plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
something that is lost
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
and nothing more
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
trappernounUS /ˈtræpər/
someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)
From this reading The old trapper and Sandy were adepts at making arrangements of this kind, and were never at a loss.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
(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 Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
Well-armed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
in or at the place that
From this reading Of course, one of the party, or sometimes two, kept guard; our horses being hobbled near, as we always chose localities where there was an abundance of grass.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Well-armed and well mounted as we were, we did not fear any ordinary band, possessed only of bows and arrows, we were likely to encounter while on the road.
in the company of; together with
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading To guard as much as possible against surprise, we chose a spot difficult of access, or one by the side of a broad stream, with a few trees which might afford us shelter, without concealing the approach of our foes; or else we threw up a breastwork of logs and branches, behind which we could be protected from the arrows of our assailants.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Our chief danger would lie in being attacked while encamped at night.
