Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

(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 "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

an occurrence of something

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

past form of “clamber” — climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

having a pattern of dots

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

ten 10s

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

staying power

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

by chance

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

the movement of persons from one country or locality to another

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

not divisible by two

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

any competition

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

make a shift in or exchange of

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

suffering from lack of food

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

plural of “survivor” — one who lives through affliction

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

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

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

work hard

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading "I estimate a couple of hundred, all told," judged Allan.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Odd we never ran across any of them before to-night.

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

From this reading Must be some kind of a migration under way--maybe some big shift of game, of deer, or buffalo, or what-not.

in or at the place that

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

a Caucasian

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."

any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A NIGHT OF TOIL An hour later, from the gnarled branches of the willow--up into which Stern had fairly flung her, and where he had himself clambered with the beasts ravening at his legs--the two sole survivors of the human race watched the glowering eyes that dotted the velvet gloom.

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

From this reading But then, in that case, they wouldn't be so starved, so dead-set on white meat as they seem to be."