used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
AYTHAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
completely unclothed
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
bobbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
clovenadjective
(used of hooves) split, divided
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
traveling across
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
earthyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθi/
conspicuously and tastelessly indecent
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
ETC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
flocknounUS /flɑːk/
a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
FortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
herdedverbUS /ˈhɜːrdɪd/
past form of “herd” — cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
hoofsnounUS /hʊfs/
plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
horsebacknounUS /ˈhɔːrsbæk/
the back of a horse
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
ten 10s
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
jutted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
knollnounUS /noʊl/
a small natural hill
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
set down according to a plan
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
light-coloured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
limpidlyadverb
in a clear and lucid manner
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
nearedverbUS /nɪrd/
past form of “near” — move towards
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
pairsnounUS /perz/
plural of “pair” — a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
patternounUS /ˈpætər/
plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
plateaunounUS /plæˈtoʊ/
a relatively flat highland
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
pupilnounUS /ˈpjuːpəl/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
scuddingnoun
the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
sheep'snounUS /ʃiːps/
possessive form of “sheep” — woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
SHEEPSTEALERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
sixtyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪksti/
being ten more than fifty
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
slopesnounUS /sloʊps/
plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
thicklyadverbUS /ˈθɪkli/
spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
threadsnounUS /θredz/
informal terms for clothing
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading A DULL patter of sheep's hurrying feet came from behind a small knoll that jutted into the track along the mountain.
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading As the sound neared, a travelling flock came round the knoll, herded thickly together and running before a man on horseback like clouds scudding before a gale.
underlyingadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/
in the nature of something though not readily apparent
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
WARINGverbUS /ˈwerɪŋ/
-ing form of “ware” — spend extravagantly
From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE SHEEPSTEALERS," "AYTHAN WARING," ETC.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The level plateau was wide and smooth below the towering slopes, and the threads of water crossing it at intervals had laid the underlying rock bare.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Forty pairs of light-coloured eyes, with their clear black bar of pupil, stared limpidly into space, and the backs of the flock bobbed and heaved as the hundred and sixty little cloven hoofs set their mark on the earthy places over which they passed.
