Chapter XXIII

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

anew

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

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

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

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

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

past form of “beam” — smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

give a benediction to

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

quick and energetic

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

deprive somebody of something by deceit

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

rid of obstructions

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

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

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

absence of light or illumination

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)

From this reading --_Dryden_.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

third-person singular of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

plural of “giant” — any creature of exceptional size

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

plural of “hindrance” — something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

where you live at a particular time

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

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

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

possessive form of “moon” — the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

the light of the Moon

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

throughout a period of time

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

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

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

on one occasion

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

possessive form of “pilot” — someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

plural of “pitfall” — an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a full supply

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

compacted by ironing

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

plural of “quarrel” — an angry dispute

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

living in or characteristic of farming or country life

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

get by special effort

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

filled with shade

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

past form of “sift” — move as if through a sieve

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

a decrease in rate of change

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

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

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

make steady

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

plural of “stump” — the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

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

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

a vagrant

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading The road was uncertain, filled with pitfalls, stumps of fallen forest giants, and other hindrances that necessitated careful procedure.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

not slowed or blocked or interfered with

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

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

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

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

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.

in or at the place that

From this reading In clear places, where the moonlight beamed unhindered, they pressed forward into a brisk trot and then again slowing down to a steady tramp as they plunged once more into some shadow.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE RAFT PILOT'S HOME "Here easy quiet, a secure retreat, A harmless life that knows not how to cheat, With home-bred plenty--the owner bless, And rural pleasures crown his happiness; Unvexed with quarrels, undisturb'd with noise, The country king his peaceful realm enjoys."

land that is covered with trees and shrubs

From this reading There was the steady tramp, tramp of horses' feet o'er the woodland trail and, by the moon's shimmering gleam that sifted down through the shadowy forest screen o'erhead, two horsemen could be perceived picking cautiously their way in the darkness of the shadow.