Chapter II

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

From this reading A SURPRISE.

extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

-ing form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

for the reason that

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

lacking funds

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

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

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

past form of “fence” — enclose with a fence

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

and nothing more

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

immediately past

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

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 The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

the force of workers available

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

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

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading A SURPRISE.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

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

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

cultivation of the land in order to raise crops

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

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

From this reading The former devoted themselves to tilling the soil, and the ranchemen to raising cattle for market.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The ranchemen did not like their neighbors, for every farm that was located and fenced in took away just so many acres of their pasture, and the farmers did not like the ranchemen, because their cattle broke down the fences and destroyed the crops.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

up to a particular time

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

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

From this reading The little difficulties that were constantly arising between these two classes of men gradually gave way to greater ones, until at last the farmers began shooting the stock that broke into their fields, and the ranchemen revenged themselves by shooting the farmers.

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

From this reading The settlement in which Uncle John and Ned lived was composed of two classes of men, the farmers and the ranchemen.