Chapter XII

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

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

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

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

eagerly desirous

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

completely unclothed

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

stop blaming or grant forgiveness

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

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

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

sing with closed lips

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

characterized by hard work and perseverance

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

the force of workers available

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

past form of “mend” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a particular point in time

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

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

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

a person's partner in marriage

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

not in physical motion

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

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

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

a special situation

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

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

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

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

From this reading The sound brought back his thoughts in a moment, to the bare reality of his position.

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

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

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

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

being of use or service

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

precisely as stated

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

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

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading AS WE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES.

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

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

during the time that

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He came slowly down the ravine, still heavy with shadows, while the sun was shining above him, and on the bed of the river below.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The tents were deserted and still, the men were already at work, and the hum of voices and labor came up the stream.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If his father had not been persuaded to come to California, and his mother’s anxious fears made him a partner in the scheme, he would now have been lounging about the old homestead, thinking himself very useful and industrious if he kept the vegetable garden in order, and mended broken fences, glad enough to escape from any thing that seemed like work, for a game of ball, or a blackberry expedition.