used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A GLANCE BACKWARD.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
the state of being absent
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
anew
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
(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 Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
BACKWARDadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading A GLANCE BACKWARD.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
bunk-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
cinches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
permission to do something
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
Danvers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
driftsnounUS /drɪfts/
plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading A GLANCE BACKWARD.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
to a considerable degree
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
leewardnounUS /ˈliːwərd/
the direction in which the wind is blowing
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
engage in
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
MonroenounUS /mənˈroʊ/
United States film actress noted for sex appeal (1926-1962)
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
and nothing more
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
pack-saddles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
persuadingverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “persuade” — win approval or support for
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
Piegan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
pilingnounUS /ˈpaɪlɪŋ/
a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
RanchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
ropesnounUS /roʊps/
plural of “rope” — a strong line
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
possessing sweep
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
Swiftwater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Down in the bunk-house Jack Danvers and Hugh Johnson were sitting on the floor near the warm stove, looking over pack-saddles, cinches and ropes, for they were preparing to make a long journey.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
windwardnounUS /ˈwɪndwərd/
the direction from which the wind is coming
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was late May at the Swiftwater Ranch; back in the east it would have been summer, but here the snow was falling heavily, and being whirled about the buildings by the high wind, piling up in drifts on the leeward side, and being swept off the ground to windward.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading During the winter he had succeeded in persuading his parents to consent to his making the long trip up north to the Piegan camp, of which Hugh and John Monroe had talked to him the year before.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading Only the day before Jack had reached the ranch from New York, after an absence of seven months, and all his friends there were glad to see him again.
