Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

a person whose head is bald or shaved

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

next to; at the side of

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a youthful male person

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

past form of “chill” — depress or discourage

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

power to direct or determine

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

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

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

marked by a painfully slow and effortful manner

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

-ing form of “dread” — be afraid or scared of; be frightened of

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

give expression to

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

opinion or judgment

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

obtain

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

a source of great wealth (especially a mine)

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

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

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

having been got the better of

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

in a manful manner; with qualities thought to befit a man

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

used to form the superlative

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

and nothing more

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

sounding as if the nose were pinched

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

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

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

have in common

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

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

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

plural of “sob” — a dyspneic condition

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

bring under control by force or authority

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

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

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

past form of “trudge” — walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

not consciously observing

From this reading With unseeing eyes and dragging steps, the boy trudged along the snowy trail, dreading the arrival at Golconda Camp.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

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

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.

at the time that

From this reading Sometimes the slight body shook with sobs that the boy tried manfully to suppress; but when one is chilled, and tired and hungry, and in the shadow of a Great Tragedy, the emotions are not easy to control.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Always, before, this had called attention to the fact that Baldy was ready to share any trouble with the boy--but to-day the rough and grimy little hand, stiff and blue from the cold, did not respond, and instead only brushed away the tears that rolled slowly down the pinched cheeks.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading His most diverting efforts had failed to gain the usual reward of a caress, or at least a word of understanding; and so, dog-like to express his sympathy, he came close beside his friend and licked his hand.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading Baldy knew that something was wrong.