used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
biggestadjectiveUS /ˈbɪɡəst/
superlative of “big” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
a youthful male person
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
canalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
canal-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
chumnounUS /tʃʌm/
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
Cobham's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
combings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
someone who is a detective
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
disreputableadjectiveUS /dɪsˈrepjətəbəl/
lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
at any time
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
opinion or judgment
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
FAILSverbUS /feɪlz/
third-person singular of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
a social unit living together
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
a long fixed look
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
a quick look
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
hatchverbUS /hætʃ/
emerge from the eggs
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
hauledverbUS /hɔːld/
past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
hitchedverbUS /hɪtʃt/
past form of “hitch” — to hook or entangle
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
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 He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
staying power
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/
small in range or scope
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
MASLIN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
Minnehaha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
used to form the superlative
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
mulenounUS /mjuːl/
hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
RECOVERverbUS /rɪˈkʌvər/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
RUNAWAYnounUS /ˈrʌnəweɪ/
an easy victory
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
SILAS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
the state of being asleep
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
sportedverbUS /ˈspɔːrtɪd/
past form of “sport” — wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
squatted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
tandemnounUS /ˈtændəm/
an arrangement of two or more objects or persons one behind another
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
teamnounUS /tiːm/
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As they approached the bridge at Cobham’s Corner, Dick got out of sight of the shore.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
towpathnoun
a path along a canal or river used by animals towing boats
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
a source of difficulty
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH SILAS MASLIN FAILS TO RECOVER HIS RUNAWAY.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
which person or people
From this reading In the morning the boat was hauled across to the other side of the canal, the side on which the towpath ran; a tandem mule team in charge of a boy who sported the biggest and most disreputable straw hat Dick had ever seen, was hitched on, and the boat began to move slowly down the canal.
in the company of; together with
From this reading So he squatted down inside the limited bit of hold in the eyes of the canal-boat which he and Joe had used for sleeping quarters, while his chum sat on the combings of the hatch with his legs swinging down and his gaze fixed on Cobham’s Corner.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He knew there would be trouble if any member of the Maslin family caught a glimpse of him on board the Minnehaha.
