used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
aidedadjectiveUS /ˈeɪdəd/
having help; often used as a combining form
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
characterizedverbUS /ˈkerəktəraɪzd/
past form of “characterize” — describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
defileverb
place under suspicion or cast doubt upon
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
Deveny's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
furtiveadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtɪv/
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
futilitynounUS /fjuːˈtɪləti/
uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
the act of departing
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
herdnounUS /hɜːrd/
a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
interferencenounUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns/
a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
measuresnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
the force of workers available
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
not any; not one
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
operationsnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃənz/
financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
outlawsnounUS /ˈaʊtlɔːz/
plural of “outlaw” — someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
quicknessnounUS /ˈkwɪknəs/
skillful performance or ability without difficulty
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
ranchersnounUS /ˈræntʃərz/
plural of “rancher” — a person who owns or operates a ranch
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
Rancho
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
retaliatoryadjectiveUS /riˈtæljətɔːri/
of or relating to or having the nature of retribution
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
ROGERSnounUS /ˈrɑːdʒərz/
United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935)
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
Seco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
secretlyadverbUS /ˈsiːkrɪtli/
in secrecy; not openly
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
straggledverbUS /ˈstræɡəld/
past form of “straggle” — wander from a direct or straight course
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
in a swift manner
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
carry out
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
terrorizedverbUS /ˈterəraɪzd/
past form of “terrorize” — coerce by violence or with threats
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading ROGERS TAKES A HAND The trail herd had made good progress through the valley, and Rogers, aided by the Star men, had kept them going.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
WellsnounUS /welz/
prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
at the time that
From this reading Still, a certain furtive quickness of movement had always characterized the operations of the outlaws--the instinct to move secretly, if possible, and to strike swiftly when they struck was always strong in them.
in or at the place that
From this reading So it was not long after the herd had left the Star until it straggled up a defile in the hills and out upon the level where Deveny's men had to ride to take the south trail to the Rancho Seco.
Willow's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, the drive to Willow's Wells was not a long one, and the cattle could stand a fast pace.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The men feared no interference with the work, for they had terrorized the ranchers in the valley until the latter well knew the futility of retaliatory measures.
