used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
abundancenounUS /əˈbʌndəns/
the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
(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 The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
alligatorsnounUS /ˈæləɡeɪtərz/
plural of “alligator” — leather made from alligator's hide
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
approveverbUS /əˈpruːv/
give sanction to
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
BREWERnounUS /ˈbruːər/
someone who brews beer or ale from malt and hops and water
From this reading COOT BREWER TAKES THE HELM.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
COOTnounUS /kuːt/
slate-black slow-flying birds somewhat resembling ducks
From this reading COOT BREWER TAKES THE HELM.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
set up or found
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
HELMnounUS /helm/
steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
From this reading COOT BREWER TAKES THE HELM.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
immediately past
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
Lowper's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
absolutely essential
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
not any; not one
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
reckonedverbUS /ˈrekənd/
past form of “reckon” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
in the near future
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
swimverbUS /swɪm/
travel through water
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading COOT BREWER TAKES THE HELM.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading COOT BREWER TAKES THE HELM.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The boys did not start for Lowper’s Creek and the alligators as soon as they expected.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
up to a particular time
From this reading He called Bob, and gave orders than an abundance of provisions, enough to last the party till the following afternoon, should be immediately got ready.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
(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 The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They found that a good deal of talk, and a good many preparations were necessary before they could get off.
at the time that
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The colonel did not altogether approve of the plan, but when he was assured that the boys could all swim, he said he reckoned no harm would come to them, and that they might as well be off on a trip of this kind as lounging around the hotel.
