Chapter IX

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

plural of “activity” — any specific behavior

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

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

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

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

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

plural of “exam” — a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

-ing form of “excuse” — accept an excuse for

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the act of departing

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

an expression of greeting

From this reading “Hello, Queen of Sheba!

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

immediately past

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

held dear

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

immediately following in time or order

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

according to the clock

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

and nothing more

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

above and across; more than

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

a detachment used for security or reconnaissance

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading “Hello, Queen of Sheba!

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

an educational institution

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

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

From this reading “Hello, Queen of Sheba!

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

having a supporting base

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

carry out

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

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

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

plural of “tramp” — a vagrant

From this reading And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.

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

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

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

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

in the company of; together with

From this reading FACE TO THE SKY THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.”