Chapter XXII

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

(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 A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

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

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

plural of “bundle” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

plural of “can” — airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

the area of the states of North Carolina and South Carolina

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

one or the other of two

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

in or to another place

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

a large medieval vessel with a single deck propelled by sails and oars with guns at stern and prow; a complement of 1,000 men; used mainly in the Mediterranean for war and trading

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the force of workers available

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

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

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

by chance

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

plural of “pipe” — a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

a large beer glass

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

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

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

a state in east central United States

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It had a high front and rear, with a sheer between them like an ancient galley.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

obtained from conifers (especially pines)

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

precisely as stated

From this reading With the men smoking their pipes on the front seat, it did not appear to him to be a very safe position.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.

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

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

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

From this reading It was provided with a canvas cover; and the bows at either end carried it out about three feet beyond the body, like an awning in front of a window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading A DESPERATE DEED CONTEMPLATED Deck Lyon was not at all satisfied with his situation in the wagon in which he had been loaded with the tools and materials of the bridge-burners; and from the bundles of light wood, cans of powder, turpentine, and kerosene in the vehicle, this appeared to be the proper name for the four men.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The wagon would have been called a "prairie schooner" farther west; and was of the kind used in Tennessee and North Carolina, and perhaps elsewhere in the South.