Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

cause to come to know personally

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

later than; following

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

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

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

for the reason that

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

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

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

an act that fails

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

the act of departing

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

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

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

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 She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

the force of workers available

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

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

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

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 For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

any cohesive unit such as a military company

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

go across or through

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

in a prominent way

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

Identical; not different.

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading One other reason for Barbara's failure to ride to the Star--a reason that she did not permit to dwell prominently in her thoughts--was resentment.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

-ing form of “treat” — interact in a certain way

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading She was almost convinced, though, that it was because of the manner in which Harlan took charge of the ranch--the capable and business-like way he had of treating the men.

toward the west

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

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

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HARLAN TAKES CHARGE Barbara could not have told why she had not acted upon her determination to ride westward to the Star ranch to acquaint John Haydon with the predicament into which the events of the past few hours had plunged her.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading She could not have explained why she permitted the first day--after Harlan's coming--to pass without going to see Haydon, any more than she could have explained why she permitted many other days to pass in the same manner.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading For the outfit came in late in the afternoon following the night which had marked the death of Lawson--the straw-boss explaining that he had received explicit orders from Lawson to "work" a grass level several miles down the river.