used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading They can afford it," she murmured.
ahorseadjective
traveling on horseback
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
asylumnounUS /əˈsaɪləm/
a shelter from danger or hardship
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
completely unclothed
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading They can afford it," she murmured.
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
defensenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
dismissedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmɪst/
having lost your job
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
distributedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɪbjətəd/
spread out or scattered about or divided up
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
half-encircling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
knotsnounUS /nɑːts/
plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
lollingverbUS /ˈlɑːlɪŋ/
-ing form of “loll” — hang loosely or laxly
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
lookoutnounUS /ˈlʊkaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
methodicallyadverbUS /məˈθɑːdɪkəli/
in a methodical manner
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading They can afford it," she murmured.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
postedadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊstɪd/
publicly displayed
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
quietedverbUS /ˈkwaɪətɪd/
past form of “quiet” — become quiet or quieter
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
sentrynounUS /ˈsentri/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They can afford it," she murmured.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
SiouxnounUS /suː/
a member of a group of North American Indian peoples who spoke a Siouan language and who ranged from Lake Michigan to the Rocky Mountains
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
stringnounUS /strɪŋ/
a lightweight cord
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
SUMMONSnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/
a request to be present
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
tenantedadjective
resided in; having tenants
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
in or at that place or location
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading "They will wait, too.
tributenounUS /ˈtrɪbjuːt/
something given or done as an expression of esteem
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading WE WAIT THE SUMMONS The Sioux had quieted.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Quite methodically, and with cruel show of leisure they distributed themselves by knots, in a half-encircling string around our asylum; they posted a sentry, ahorse, as a lookout; and lolling upon the bare ground in the sun glare they chatted, laughed, rested, but never for an instant were we dismissed from their eyes and thoughts.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "They will wait, too.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They let the hollow alone, tenanted as it was with death; there was for us a satisfaction in that tribute to our defense.
