used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WORSE AND WORSE.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
teach and supervise (someone); act as a trainer or coach (to), as in sports
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
complacentadjectiveUS /kəmˈpleɪsənt/
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
Daley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
DeannounUS /diːn/
an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
deftlyadverbUS /ˈdeftli/
with dexterity; in a dexterous manner
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
characterized by great determination
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
EllisonnounUS /ˈelɪsən/
United States novelist who wrote about a young Black man and his struggles in American society (1914-1994)
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
temporary military shelter
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
imprisonmentnounUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənmənt/
putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
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 Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
lightingnounUS /ˈlaɪtɪŋ/
having abundant light or illumination
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
Marcus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
MercernounUS /ˈmɜːrsər/
a dealer in textiles (especially silks)
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
Millville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
and nothing more
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
robberynounUS /ˈrɑːbəri/
larceny by threat of violence
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
satchels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
cut with a saw
From this reading He saw the latter on the coach, and felt complacent.
Spofford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
SpringfieldnounUS /ˈsprɪŋfiːld/
capital of the state of Illinois
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
stagecoachnounUS /ˈsteɪdʒkoʊtʃ/
a large coach-and-four formerly used to carry passengers and mail on regular routes between towns
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Daley went away toward the village, after lighting a lantern taken from one of the satchels.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
at the time that
From this reading During the journey, of course he could not talk to Spofford, but when they reached the cabin he determined to question him deftly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Marcus Ellison had only one thought in view as he rode in the stagecoach from Springfield with Daley and Spofford, and later entered the hut near the river at Millville, and that was to learn what they knew of the robbery and imprisonment of his friend, Dean Mercer.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading WORSE AND WORSE.
