used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A RIDE FOR LIFE.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
Archie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
Bear'snounUS /berz/
possessive form of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
BentonnounUS /ˈbentən/
United States artist whose paintings portrayed life in the Midwest and South (1889-1975)
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
emigrantsnounUS /ˈeməɡrənts/
plural of “emigrant” — someone who leaves one country to settle in another
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
feebleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːbəl/
pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
foesnounUS /foʊz/
plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A RIDE FOR LIFE.
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
the act of departing
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
an opening into or through something
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
intrenched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
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 The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A RIDE FOR LIFE.
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 He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
overtakenverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪkən/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
go across or through
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/
plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
prairienounUS /ˈpreri/
a treeless grassy plain
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
proposeverbUS /prəˈpoʊz/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
resistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading A RIDE FOR LIFE.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
saferadjectiveUS /ˈseɪfər/
comparative of “safe” — free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
settlersnounUS /ˈsetlərz/
plural of “settler” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
create by training and teaching
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
wagon-master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
wagonsnounUS /ˈwæɡənz/
plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading The Indians would certainly pass over that road in going from their camp to attack the settlers on the prairie; and it was equally certain that they would discover and follow the trail left by the wagons.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Archie had a plan to propose to the wagon-master, and that was that the train should be conducted first to the Old Bear's Hole, and then to Fort Benton.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If the emigrants were overtaken in the open country, they could offer but a feeble resistance; but if they intrenched themselves in the cave, they could hold any number of their foes at bay.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He thought this would be much safer than to attempt a long journey across the plains.
