used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
Arickara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
arrogantadjectiveUS /ˈerəɡənt/
having or showing feelings of unwarranted importance out of overbearing pride
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
CheyennenounUS /ʃaɪˈen/
the capital and largest city of Wyoming; located in the southeastern corner of the state
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
ComanchenounUS /kəˈmæntʃi/
a member of the Shoshonean people who formerly lived between Wyoming and the Mexican border but are now chiefly in Oklahoma
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
complicatedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpləkeɪtəd/
difficult to analyze or understand
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
DakotanounUS /dəˈkoʊtə/
a member of the Siouan people of the northern Mississippi valley; commonly called the Sioux
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
debateverbUS /dəˈbeɪt/
argue with one another
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
dialectnounUS /ˈdaɪəlekt/
the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
emphasisnounUS /ˈemfəsəs/
special importance or significance
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
flexibleadjectiveUS /ˈfleksəbəl/
capable of being changed
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
fordnounUS /fɔːrd/
United States film maker (1896-1973)
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
haughtilyadverbUS /ˈhɔːtɪli/
in a haughty manner
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
deeply or markedly affected or influenced
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
interveneverbUS /ˌɪntərˈviːn/
get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
something that is lost
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
meaningsnounUS /ˈmiːnɪŋz/
plural of “meaning” — the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
not any; not one
From this reading "We are of no tribe," said Tawannears.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
PawneenounUS /ˈpɔːˈniː/
a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
phrasesnounUS /ˈfreɪzəz/
plural of “phrase” — an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
piecedverbUS /piːst/
past form of “piece” — to join or unite the pieces of
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
PlainsnounUS /pleɪnz/
plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
unusual or striking
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
revertingnounUS /rɪˈvɜːrtɪŋ/
a failure to maintain a higher state
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "We are of no tribe," said Tawannears.
Identical; not different.
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
sign-languageadjective
used of the language of the deaf
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
Siksika
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
swaggeringadjectiveUS /ˈswæɡərɪŋ/
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
Tawannears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
Tonkawa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
TONKAWAS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
tribenounUS /traɪb/
a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading "We are of no tribe," said Tawannears.
tribesnounUS /traɪbz/
plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
two-man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
vocaladjectiveUS /ˈvoʊkəl/
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
at the time that
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The two conducted their conversation after the remarkable fashion of the Plains tribes, the basis of their speech being such Comanche phrases as they had in common, pieced out with Dakota, Pawnee, Arickara, Cheyenne and Siksika, and when they were at a loss for a common vocal ground of understanding reverting to the flexible sign-language, by which they never failed to convey the most complicated meanings.
which person or people
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
in the company of; together with
From this reading OUR TRADE WITH THE TONKAWAS "We hold this ford," replied Tawannears in the same dialect, speaking with arrogant emphasis.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Occasionally one of the leading Tonkawa warriors would intervene with a suggestion or a word if his chief seemed at a loss, but the debate was mainly a two-man affair.
but in spite of that
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Who are you?" returned the Tonkawa haughtily, yet impressed by our swaggering manner.
