Chapter XIV · 196

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

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

in addition

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

a primeval Egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at Thebes

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more limbs

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

United States author whose works were frequently autobiographical (1876-1941)

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

expected hopefully

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

plural of “bandage” — a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

loud cries made while weeping

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

have

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a short personal letter

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

exhale hard

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

not accessible to view

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

place limits on (extent or amount or access)

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

close interaction

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a small house with a single story

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a boy or man

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

a musician who plays the violin

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

make flat or flatter

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

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

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

lock up or confine, in or as in a jail

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

harmful to living things

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

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 Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

immediately past

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

staying power

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

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

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

plural of “lute” — a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

a particular point in time

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a small storeroom for storing foods or wines

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

showing little emotion

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

move down on as if in an attack

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

determined

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

-ing form of “restrain” — to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

the act of severing

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

suppress in order to conceal or hide

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

plural of “struggle” — an energetic attempt to achieve something

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

past form of “subdivide” — form into subdivisions

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

put down by force or intimidation

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

past form of “substantiate” — establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

of or relating to or involving or used in surgery

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

moving very fast

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.

any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

English actress (1847-1928)

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

male cat

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

turned up on end

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

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

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

imparting heat

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

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

From this reading There was a thick, round billet of birch, upended in the middle of the kitchen floor, to serve as a block for the amputation; and the axe was sharp, at last--at hand, too, but concealed, for the moment, behind the pantry door--and a pot of tar was warming on the kitchen stove.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

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

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

during the time that

From this reading _In Which it Seems that an Axe and Terry Lute's Finger Are Surely to Come into Injurious Contact, and Terry Lute is Caught and Carried Bawling to the Block, While His Mother Holds the Pot of Tar_ In Tom Lute's cottage beyond Come-Along Point of Amen Island they were ready for the operation.

which person or people

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

belonging to which person

From this reading Sandy Lands had reported for duty, whom nothing but a sense of duty had drawn to a hand in the surgical assistance--a bit perturbed, as he contemplated the task of restraining the struggles of a violent little subject, whose temper he knew, but sturdy and resolved, his resolution substantiated by a sort of religious austerity.

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

From this reading Black Walt Anderson, a gigantic, phlegmatic fellow, who would have subdivided into half a dozen little Terry Lutes, also awaited the signal to pounce upon the Little Fiddler of Amen Island, imprison his arms, confine his legs, subdue all his little struggles, in short, bear him to the block and flatten his hand and spread his fingers for the severing blow.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading It was to be a simple operation--a swift descent of the axe and a quick application of hot tar and bandages to stifle the wound.