used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
any thing at all
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
besiegedadjectiveUS /bɪˈsiːdʒd/
surrounded by hostile forces
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
boldnessnounUS /ˈboʊldnəs/
the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
defendersnounUS /dɪˈfendərz/
plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/
move away from a place into another direction
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
divisible by two
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
and nothing more
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
most important element
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
Monteith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading THE PRISONER.
probabilitynounUS /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪlətiː/
a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
the possibility of future success
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
rustlersnounUS /ˈrʌsələrz/
plural of “rustler” — someone who steals livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
move stealthily
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
Sterry's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
stockmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
required or under orders
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
temptverbUS /tempt/
dispose or incline or entice to
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PRISONER.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.
