used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
Al'snounUS /ælz/
possessive form of “al” — a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
(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 From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
being joined in close association
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
availableadjectiveUS /əˈveɪləbəl/
obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
bee-line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
bindingnounUS /ˈbaɪndɪŋ/
the capacity to attract and hold something
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
busilyadverbUS /ˈbɪzəli/
in a busy manner
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
diagonallyadverbUS /daɪˈæɡənəli/
in a diagonal manner
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
being one more than seven
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
eminencenounUS /ˈemənəns/
high status importance owing to marked superiority
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
encirclingadjectiveUS /enˈsɜːrkəlɪŋ/
being all around the edges; enclosing
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
set up or found
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
the act of departing
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
destroyed or killed
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
Gordon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
loneadjectiveUS /loʊn/
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
overtookverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
pegsnounUS /peɡz/
plural of “peg” — a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
plantedadjectiveUS /ˈplæntɪd/
(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
polenounUS /poʊl/
a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
in the near future
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
with speed
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
a strong line
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
saplingnounUS /ˈsæplɪŋ/
young tree
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
steadyingadjective
causing to become steady
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
dependable
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A lone sapling stood on the summit, and about ten feet from this they had planted a pole eight or nine feet high, steadying it by lines running diagonally to the ground and attached to pegs.
the upper part of anything
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
at the time that
From this reading When they reached the brow of the eminence, they found that preparations, under Al’s direction, were rapidly going forward.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
willownounUS /ˈwɪloʊ/
any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
withes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the top of this pole to a branch equally high on the sapling ran a stout line on which had been placed two metal rings (evidently all that were available), and some of the boys were now busily binding willow withes around the line, so that presently the rope had half a dozen rings of one sort or another encircling it.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading THE MESSAGE OF THE FLAME Gordon made a bee-line through the woods in the direction of the hill, and presently overtook several of the boys, one of whom carried a lantern.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The moon had gone behind clouds which were fast covering the sky, and the boys worked almost wholly by the light of their lantern.
