Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

(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 It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

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

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

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

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

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

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

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

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

construct, build, or erect

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

every person

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

house for a farmer and family

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

past form of “grasp” — hold firmly

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

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

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

only a very short time before

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

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

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

with the head foremost

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

engage in

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

not any; not one

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

plural of “pitchfork” — a long-handled hand tool with sharp widely spaced prongs for lifting and pitching hay

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

on the contrary

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

-ing form of “scramble” — to move hurriedly

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

a person, without saying who

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

a fabric used for suits

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

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

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

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

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

in the direction of

From this reading Hardly had the scouts managed to stream from the interior of the barn than they became aware of the fact that someone was running headlong toward them.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

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

From this reading It was far from light in there; but as they could easily see the opening all they had to do was to make for it.

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

From this reading Elmer had been careful to make sure that there were no pitchforks lying around loose, to be run upon by accident.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading Toby threw himself into an attitude of defense, raising the piece of wood he had grasped for a club; but Elmer realized that the runner was approaching from the direction of the farmhouse and therefore must be a friend rather than a foe.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading THE KNIFE WITH THE BUCKHORN HANDLE "Everybody get out in a hurry!" called Elmer, suiting the action to the word himself by scrambling erect and making for the open door of the big barn.