Chapter XI

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

(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 A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

Having no one else present.

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

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

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

in a state of sleep

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

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

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

not accessible to view

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

unaffected by self-interest

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

plural of “donkey” — the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

being one more than ten

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a movement into or inward

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

plural of “entrance” — something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

-ing form of “gallop” — ride at a galloping pace

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

-ing form of “guard” — to keep watch over

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

immediately past

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

past form of “molest” — harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

the light of the Moon

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

plural of “mule” — hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

plural of “nook” — a sheltered and secluded place

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

according to the clock

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

and nothing more

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

plural of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

a detachment used for security or reconnaissance

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

plural of “policeman” — a member of a police force

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

with speed

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

only a very short time before

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

hidden from general view or use

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

quiet, dark, or concealed

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

not openly expressed

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

in or at or to some place

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a sculpture representing a human or animal

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

not in physical motion

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

short and blunt

From this reading At last off in the city somewhere a clock was heard striking and on the last stroke of twelve, away out in the still moonlight night Billy, Stubby and Button and the gray cat stole out from some bushes they had been hiding in and proceeded to the center of the park.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But as they were only seen alone and not in groups and then only by disinterested autoists bent on getting home as quickly as they could, they were not molested.

in or at that place or location

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a special situation

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

causing a surge of emotion or excitement

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

up to a particular time

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading They kept coming and coming until scarcely a bush, tree or statue but concealed an animal hiding behind it waiting for the hour of twelve to strike.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading A THRILLING EXPERIENCE As early as eleven o’clock sneaking dogs and cats, galloping horses, mules and donkeys as well as slow walking cows could have been seen entering the park by all entrances and hurriedly hiding themselves behind and under bushes or in dark shady nooks.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.

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

From this reading And it was a good thing that there were few policemen guarding the park at that time of night, and that what were, were mostly fast asleep on the benches in secluded spots, else all these loose animals without any owners would have excited comment and they would have been caught and carried off to the pound in the patrol wagon.