Chapter V

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

being joined in close association

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

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

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

(comparative of “few” used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

the largest island in the world; lies between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean; a self-governing province of Denmark

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

brusque and surly and forbidding

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

brought under control and put to use

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

extremely

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

an Eskimo hut; usually built of blocks (of sod or snow) in the shape of a dome

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

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

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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 This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the force of workers available

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

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

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

a particular point in time

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the quantity that can be held in the mouth

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

a breed of very large heavy dogs with a thick coarse usually black coat; highly intelligent dogs and vigorous swimmers; developed in Newfoundland

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

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

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

not any; not one

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

past form of “object” — express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

taken in advance to protect against possible danger or failure

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

transport in a sleigh

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

carry out

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading This sleigh could accommodate as many as ten men.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

up to a particular time

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading Both the Newfoundlands had been shut up in an igloo.

characterized by variety

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

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

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But these bears, although they moved not with half the rapidity of a team of dogs, never varied their pace, and never needed rest until they had covered a distance of not less than twelve miles.

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

From this reading This was a precautionary measure, for although the bears never attempted to molest the Yak-dogs, they might not have objected to a mouthful or two of fine, fresh Newfoundland.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading THE SHIP’S BEARS: GRUFF, AND GROWLEY, AND GRUMPEY, AND MEG The surprise was this: no fewer than four young Greenland bears[C] were led forth, and attached or harnessed to a hugely large sledge, and seemed so perfectly quiet and well broken, that neither Charlie nor Walt hesitated for a moment to take their seats.