Chapter XII

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

(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 THUNDER ALL AROUND.

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

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading THUNDER ALL AROUND.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

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

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

an occurrence of something

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

past form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

slightly wet

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

without deviation

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

complete or carry out

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

plural of “garment” — an article of clothing

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

past form of “grasp” — hold firmly

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

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

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

the act of retaining something

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

a slight wetness

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

absolutely essential

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

in other respects or ways

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

thrust or throw into

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

new

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

inflected form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

being the most concentrated solution possible at a given temperature; unable to dissolve still more of a substance

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading THUNDER ALL AROUND.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

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

From this reading He, too, had recalled the danger, and was at bay, holding his rifle, cocked and grasped, ready to discharge the instant it should become necessary.

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 Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading His gun could not be otherwise than wet, but the charge was dry, and it could be relied upon to do its duty in case of an emergency; and it was well that it was thus, for the danger was at hand.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

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

From this reading Both of the lads were saturated with water, for besides their recent plunge into the river, there was a damp moistness in the air, like a copious dew, that would have rendered their garments dripping with water, supposing they had been dry at the time they entered this Cave of the Winds.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading There stood the daring young trapper, directly behind him.