Chapter I

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

(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 During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

in addition

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

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

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

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

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

on or to one side

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

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

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

become fractured; break or crack on the surface only

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

a long narrow depression in a surface

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

plural of “crystal” — a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

an udder or breast or teat

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

in fear

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

with resolute determination

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

plural of “flake” — a crystal of snow

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

moving swiftly

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

having dark hairs mixed with grey or white

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

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

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

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

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

set down according to a plan

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

immediately past

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

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

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

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 two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

plural of “obstacle” — something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

and nothing more

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

above and across; more than

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

persistent determination

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

flowing profusely

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

acceptance of despair

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

plural of “shovel” — a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

sit on one's heels

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

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

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

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

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

plural of “trapper” — someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

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

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

move through by or as by digging

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

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

From this reading The two trappers on Cañon Creek fought the drifts for many days in an effort to keep their lines clear.

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

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

at the time that

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

during the time that

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.

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

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the latter part of December and all through January the gray clouds hung low over the tree-tops, pouring down their load of fine crystals with sullen persistency, while the north wind, sweeping through the forest, piled the flying flakes high against all obstacles, driving them firmly into each crack and crevice.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Never within the memory of the oldest _voyageur_ had there been such a snowfall in the Trois Lacs country.

inflected form of “wake” — be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading At last, however, when they woke one fearfully cold morning to find not only the north window but also the doorway on the other side of the little cabin covered with hard-packed drifts that rose clear to the peak of the squat roof, they laid aside their spruce-wood shovels with a sigh of resignation and relief.

a late time of life

From this reading Jim Henderson, gnarled and grizzled by years of life in the wilderness, dug a narrow tunnel to daylight.