Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

in addition, by way of addition; furthermore

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

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

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

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

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

showing careful forethought

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

approval

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

divisible by two

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

plural of “expert” — a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

the act of departing

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

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

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

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

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

plural of “mishap” — an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

plural of “misstep” — an unintentional but embarrassing blunder

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

plural of “noodle” — a ribbonlike strip of pasta

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

above and across; more than

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

a course of conduct

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

by chance

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

graded markings that indicate light or shaded areas in a drawing or painting

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

causing or tending to cause things to slip or slide

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

a lightweight cord

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In due time, therefore, they came in sight of the place where Eben and Noodles had been left.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

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

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Even Mr. Anderson managed to do himself great credit, and Seth did not have to help him up on the narrow ridge more than three or four times; nor were any of his mishaps of a serious nature.

precisely as stated

From this reading Be that as it might, they made very few missteps on the return journey.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

past form of “warn” — notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.

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

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

in or at the place that

From this reading ON THE HOME-STRETCH Perhaps they were becoming experts at the game; or it might be that the going back over familiar ground made the job easier, since they could see each slippery place where an accident had happened on the outward trip, and thus grow additionally cautious.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Their voices must have warned the pair that they were coming, for they could be seen shading their eyes with their hands to shut out the glare of the sun, as they watched the string of figures slowly picking a path through the sea of mud and water.