used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
ain't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
bouldernounUS /ˈboʊldər/
a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
chancedverbUS /tʃænst/
past form of “chance” — be the case by chance
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
rid of obstructions
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
darnedadjectiveUS /dɑːrnd/
expletives used informally as intensifiers
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
driesnounUS /draɪz/
plural of “dry” — a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
divisible by two
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
faredverbUS /ferd/
past form of “fare” — proceed or get along
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
having or given a form or shape
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
the act of giving
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
highest in quality
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
leewardnounUS /ˈliːwərd/
the direction in which the wind is blowing
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
loafingnoun
having no employment
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
engage in
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
minernounUS /ˈmaɪnər/
laborer who works in a mine
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
mouthfulnounUS /ˈmaʊθfʊl/
the quantity that can be held in the mouth
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
not any; not one
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
select carefully from a group
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
red-skin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
red-skins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
sartin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
except for; apart from
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
plural of “see” — the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
not in physical motion
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
stuntedadjectiveUS /ˈstʌntɪd/
inferior in size or quality
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
in or at that place or location
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
tindernounUS /ˈtɪndər/
material for starting a fire
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a mouthful of stunted grass here and there.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
at the time that
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
which person or people
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
in the company of; together with
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading IN DANGER There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder.
wur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who made it."
