Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

past form of “administer” — work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

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

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

have

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

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

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

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

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

with brightness

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

causing or characterized by jolts and irregular movements

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

relating to or characteristic of carnivores

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

plural of “cave” — a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

a person who is in charge

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

the act of conquering

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

carefully weighed

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

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

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

construct, build, or erect

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

divisible by two

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

at any time

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

yet to be or coming

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

any creature of exceptional size

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

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

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

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

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

ten 10s

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

involving invasion or aggressive attack

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

in the recent past

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

abnormally large

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

plural of “pace” — the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

an area where many people go for recreation

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

a full supply

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

having a point

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

past form of “reign” — have sovereign power

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

precisely, exactly

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

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

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

get by special effort

From this reading To Bawr, the Chief, and to Grom, his Right Hand and Councilor, the future of the tribe looked secure.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

-ing form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

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

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading THE BENDING OF THE BOW Before the Caves of the Pointed Hills the fires of the tribe burned brightly.

previously unknown

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

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

From this reading So sharp had been the lessons lately administered to the prowling beasts--the terrible saber-tooth, the giant red bear of the caves, the proud black lion, and the bone-crushing cave hyena--that even the stretch of bumpy plain outside the circle of the fires, to a distance of several hundred paces, was considered a safe playground for the children of the tribe.

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

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

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

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Though the great battle which had hurled back the invading hosts of the Bow-legs had cost the tribe more than half its warriors, the Caves were swarming with vigorous children.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Within the caves reigned plenty and an unheard-of security; for since the conquest of fire those monstrous beasts and gigantic carnivorous, running birds, which had been Man's ceaseless menace ever since he swung down out of the tree-tops to walk the earth erect, had been held at a distance through awe of the licking flames.