Chapter I

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

possessing life

From this reading Is it alive?”

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

being characteristic of a boy

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

free of trouble and worry and care

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

strikingly different; tending to contrast

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

with no protection or shield

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

opinion or judgment

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

extremely pleasing

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

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

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

showing lack of care for consequences

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Is it alive?”

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

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

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

attach a tag or label to

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

a form of address for a man

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

an interconnected system of things or people

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

located, suited for, or taking place in the open air

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

Identical; not different.

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

in an aggressive manner

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

one of the islands of Saint Christopher-Nevis

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

(of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

being six more than thirty

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

not fastened together

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

not made dim or less bright

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

an imaginary creature represented as a white horse with a long horn growing from its forehead

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

impossible to quench

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

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

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

the topmost one of two

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

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

From this reading Made in the United States of America “I always thought they were fabulous monsters.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading AUTHOR OF BRANSFORD OF RAINBOW RANGE, THE DESIRE OF THE MOTH, WEST IS WEST, ETC.

at the time that

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

in or to any place at all

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

which person or people

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading These same suns and winds had drawn at the corners of his eyes a network of fine lines: but the brown eyes were undimmed, and his face had a light, sure look of unquenchable boyishness; sure mark of the unattached, and therefore carefree and irresponsible man, who, as the saying goes, “is at home wherever his hat is hung.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.

a late time of life

From this reading --_The Unicorn._ Sun and wind of thirty-six out-of-door years had tanned Mr. Jeff Bransford’s cheek to a rosy-brown, contrasting sharply with the whiteness of the upper part of his forehead, when exposed--as now--by the pushing up of his sombrero.