Chapter X

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

(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 They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

in addition

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

in a self-collected or self-possessed manner

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

recognizable; marked

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

the killing of a human being by another human being

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

incapable of being tolerated or endured

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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 The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

the force of workers available

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

-ing form of “muster” — gather or bring together

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

the northwestern region of the United States

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

having a point

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

with low volume

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

on the contrary

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

inflected form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

plural of “trooper” — a soldier in a motorized army unit

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

not necessary

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

under normal conditions

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

precisely as stated

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

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

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The unnecessary man, he knew, is usually busy getting in his comrade's way.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

at the time that

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

in or at the place that

From this reading HOMICIDE An almost intolerable cold had descended upon the prairie when Leland reached the coulee where Sergeant Grier was mustering his forces late at night.

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

From this reading There was also another reason which Leland had pointed out.

which person or people

From this reading He was aware that, in an affair of this kind, a few men who understand exactly what they have to do, and can be relied on to set about it quietly and collectedly, are apt to prove more efficient than a larger body.

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

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading They were not a very strong body, three troopers of the Northwest Police, all of them rather young, two prairie farmers, Leland, Gallwey, and the Sergeant, but the latter had decided that they would be enough, for the purpose.