Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

possessing life

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

in addition

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

past form of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

in good time

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

resembling a fork; divided or separated into two branches

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

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

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

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

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

a major road for any form of motor transport

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

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

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

pitted with cell-like cavities (as a honeycomb)

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

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

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

ten 10s

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

and nothing more

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

staying power

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

plural of “magpie” — long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous chattering call

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

most important element

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

the force of workers available

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

above and across; more than

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

cover with planks

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

past form of “pound” — hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

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

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

formality and propriety of manner

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

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

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

plural of “saddle” — a seat for the rider of a horse or other animal

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

inflected form of “span” — to cover or extend over an area or time period

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

not in physical motion

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

the act of sucking

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

a public road from one place to another

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

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

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

lacking in security or safety

From this reading They proceeded in single file and at a footpace, for the highway had been honeycombed and rendered unsafe; it also ascended steadily.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

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

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

at the time that

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Just before they entered the bush, which was alive with the rich, strong whistling of magpies, Purdy halted to look back and wave his hat in farewell.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Having followed for a few hundred yards the wide, rut-riddled thoroughfare of Main Street, the riders branched off to cross rising ground.

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

From this reading The hoofs of the horses pounded the plank bridge that spanned the Yarrowee, and striking loose stones, and smacking and sucking in the mud, made a rude clatter in the Sunday quiet.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The two young men took to the road betimes: it still wanted some minutes to six on the new clock in the tower of Bath's Hotel, when they threw their legs over their saddles and rode down the steep slope by the Camp Reserve.