used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
beavernounUS /ˈbiːvər/
the soft brown fur of the beaver
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
beaver's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
capturedverbUS /ˈkæptʃərd/
past form of “capture” — succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
castornounUS /ˈkæstər/
a multiple star with 6 components; second brightest in Gemini; close to Pollux
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
a state at a particular time
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
prepare a hot meal
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
recognizable; marked
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
devourverbUS /dɪˈvaʊər/
destroy completely
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
doubtedverbUS /ˈdaʊtɪd/
past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
ediblenounUS /ˈedəbəl/
any substance that can be used as food
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
elationnounUS /ɪˈleɪʃən/
an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
divisible by two
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
foresawverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈsɔː/
inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
hunter'snounUS /ˈhʌntərz/
possessive form of “hunter” — someone who hunts game
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
staying power
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
muskratnounUS /ˈmʌskræt/
the brown fur of a muskrat
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
not any; not one
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
primeadjectiveUS /praɪm/
first in rank or degree
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
scentnounUS /sɛnt/
A distinctive smell or aroma.
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
skinning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
skinsnounUS /skɪnz/
plural of “skin” — a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading The beaver’s meat looked white, clean, and tender and I decided to cook and taste some of it.
tendonsnounUS /ˈtendənz/
plural of “tendon” — a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
thread-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
toughadjectiveUS /tʌf/
not given to gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
except if; if not
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
the act of using
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
being of use or service
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
precisely as stated
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I SET FORTH ON MY JOURNEY Although I felt a hunter’s elation at having captured the beaver, he was really of less value to me than a muskrat.
clean by virtue of having been washed in water
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
a Caucasian
From this reading While skinning the beaver I was attracted by the strong, white tendons of his legs and tail, and, knowing how useful such tough, thread-like material might prove, I carefully removed and washed the tendons and placed them in a safe spot to dry.
wiselyadverbUS /ˈwaɪzli/
in a wise manner
From this reading His fur, although thick, was by no means in good condition, and even if it had been “prime” it would have been of little value to me in the forest, but, nevertheless, I foresaw that I might find use for skins, and very wisely, as it turned, decided to skin the creature and dry and preserve the hide.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading His flesh, especially his tail, was edible, I knew, but I doubted if I would care to devour his meat unless very hungry, for the scent and taste of castor would be too strong.
