Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

plural of “ail” — aromatic bulb used as seasoning

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

(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 THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

in addition

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

third-person singular of “alter” — cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

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

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

something many people believe that is false

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

hold firmly

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

a stack of hay

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

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

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

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

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

immediately past

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

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

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

engage in

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

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

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

the leaf of a conifer

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

not any; not one

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

past form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

arrange in a container

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

precisely, exactly

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

without respect; in a disdainful manner

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

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

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

-ing form of “shoulder” — lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

the act of observing

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

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

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

plural of “tract” — an extended area of land

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

a vagrant

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

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

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

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

From this reading Now, there's no need of hunting a needle in a haystack, for we've got a real trail to follow up."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

at the time that

From this reading Not so Lil Artha, who was quick to see things, especially when some suggestion on the part of the scout-master was concerned.

which person or people

From this reading THE VALUE OF SCOUTCRAFT "But that old skiff suits me all right," objected Landy, who did not particularly fancy shouldering his pack, to tramp through brush and over marshy tracts of land, such as must be their portion.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why ought we make a change, Elmer?" asked Ted, also unable to grasp the meaning of this new move.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Why, what ails you fellows?" he exclaimed, scornfully, as became one possessed of superior brains; "don't you understand my sighting that man last night alters the whole business?