Chapter I

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

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

in actual fact

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

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

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

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

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

plural of “boulder” — a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

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

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

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

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

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 And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

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

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

not any; not one

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

uttered with a trill

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

express in words

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

required or under orders

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

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

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

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

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

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

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

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

From this reading And from all we can learn, uncle Zeph was a man of good judgment, and one not easily imposed upon.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading His opinion was, that as great rocks were continually rolling down the side of the mountain at the foot of which the entrance to the cave was, some one or more of these huge boulders had fallen into the opening and completely closed it up.

in or at the place that

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

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

From this reading Whether or not, the story which we are about to relate is absolutely true in every particular, we are not prepared to say.

which person or people

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.

a late time of life

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading And uncle Zeph said that he had known old people in his younger days, who stated that they had actually seen the cave where many of the scenes which we are about to relate occurred, although of late years, no traces of any kind could be discovered in the locality where it is supposed to have been situated.

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

From this reading All we know about it is, that old Ben Miller who told it to our uncle Zeph, believed it to be true, as did uncle Zeph himself.