Chapter X

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

capable of wounding

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

dwell on with satisfaction

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

the first light of day

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

complete or carry out

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

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

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

secured with bastions or fortifications

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

plural of “grizzly” — powerful brownish-yellow bear of the uplands of western North America

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

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

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

plural of “lodge” — English physicist who studied electromagnetic radiation and was a pioneer of radiotelegraphy (1851-1940)

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

on one occasion

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

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

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

inflected form of “ram” — strike or drive against with a heavy impact

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

past form of “reload” — load anew

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

cut with a saw

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

-ing form of “scalp” — sell illegally, as on the black market

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

that is looked for

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

past form of “station” — assign to a station

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

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

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

cut with a tomahawk

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

having a top of a specified character

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading But at a discharge of the rifles five of the band dropped in their tracks; the others fled into the forts once more.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee

From this reading From this shelter the arrows began to dart; but the thick tree trunks protected the trappers from their barbed heads.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading At early dawn the Indians saw how few in number the whites were; at once they poured forth, with tomahawk, war club and scalping knife, to crush them.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

during the time that

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

plural of “white” — a Caucasian

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A DESPERATE EXPERIENCE WITH GRIZZLIES As the bullets of the trappers sang their way into the Crow encampment, the warriors began to fall; the whites stationed themselves behind trees and reloaded; and while they were doing so the savages sought the cover of the two fortified lodges which they had erected.

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

From this reading “I guess that’s about all we’ll hear of them,” said old Zeke, as he rammed a fresh charge of powder home and topped it with a bullet.