Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

(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 The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

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

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

a person who is in charge

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

-ing form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

inflected form of “crop” — cut short

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

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

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

apart from; not including

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

past form of “gush” — gush forth in a sudden stream or jet

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

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

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

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

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

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

From this reading A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

conformity or harmony

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

set afire or burning

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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 Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

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

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

above and across; more than

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

go across or through

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

by chance

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

put into a recess

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

a thief who steals from someone by threatening violence

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

the season of growth

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

having a supporting base

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

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

From this reading A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

with no saddle

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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

From this reading Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.

look attentively

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

(of silk fabric) having a wavelike pattern

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

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

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

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

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

plural of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr. Winters.

in the company of; together with

From this reading About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.