used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
arrownounUS /ˈæroʊ/
a mark to indicate a direction or relation
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
bow-string
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
terminate
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
countrymennounUS /ˈkʌntrimɪn/
plural of “countryman” — a man from your own country
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
crouchingverbUS /ˈkraʊtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
handledadjectiveUS /ˈhændəld/
having a usually specified type of handle
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
be the source of pain
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
Jim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
on one occasion
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
having a point
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
reloadverbUS /riˈloʊd/
load anew
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
shieldedadjectiveUS /ˈʃiːldɪd/
(used especially of machinery) protected by a shield to prevent injury
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Several causes made it possible to do this.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
hard to endure
From this reading A PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
(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 PRISONER Despite the trying situation of Captain Smith, he managed to reload his gun, and at the same time to keep his body quite well shielded by that of his dusky friend.
at the time that
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
a Caucasian
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
which person or people
From this reading More than once, when one of them had drawn his bow-string and pointed the arrow, he held it back, seeing that if he should discharge it he was likely to hurt the man who stood in front of the crouching Englishman.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading The warriors showed by their actions that they did not wish to hurt Jim.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Jim showed a real desire to help his master, for, when it would have been easy to break from him and join his countrymen, he allowed himself to be handled at will by the white man.
