Chapter IV

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

Having no one else present.

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

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

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading THE NIGHT ATTACK.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

only a very short time before

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

next to; at the side of

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

of persons; not subject to change

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

communicated in words

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat.

the trait of giving little thought to danger

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

set up or found

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

(Old Testament) king of Judah who abolished idolatry (715-687 BC)

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a search for knowledge

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a town in central Wyoming

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

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

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE NIGHT ATTACK.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

and nothing more

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

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

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT ATTACK.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

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

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

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

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

not to be accounted for or explained

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

below the required standards for a purpose

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The night gradually closed down upon the flat-boat.

-ing form of “ware” — spend extravagantly

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

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

From this reading Upon inquiry, Hezekiah found that their elderly companion, Mr. Lander, instead of being an assistant to them, was an encumbrance.

any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading A confirmed invalid, he was barely able to remain on his feet for more than a few moments, and had expressed the wish only that he might be allowed to reach the settlement and die.

a late time of life

From this reading He was totally unfit to handle a rifle, and had not attempted it for years, so that, although Waring had another weapon beside his own, it may be stated that he started upon this expedition entirely alone--a proceeding, that in its foolhardiness, was unaccountable.