used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
the state of being absent
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
Alton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the month following July and preceding September
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
BrooknounUS /brʊk/
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
an occurrence of something
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
clothing in general
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
earnverbUS /ɜːrn/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
being one more than seven
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
provide as food
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
FourteennounUS /ˈfɔːrˈtiːn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
hitchedverbUS /hɪtʃt/
past form of “hitch” — to hook or entangle
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
of the present time and place
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a small worthless amount
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
kitnounUS /kɪt/
a case for containing a set of articles
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
set down according to a plan
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
Marjorie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
nailverbUS /neɪl/
attach something somewhere by means of nails
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
oatnounUS /oʊt/
annual grass of Europe and North Africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: “oats”)
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
oxennounUS /ˈɑːksən/
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
the act of departing politely
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
platesnounUS /pleɪts/
plural of “plate” — (baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
prairiesnounUS /ˈpreɪriz/
plural of “prairie” — a treeless grassy plain
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — 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 It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
shacknounUS /ʃæk/
small crude shelter used as a dwelling
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
SpoofnounUS /spuːf/
a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
Spoof's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
make square
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
suppliesnounUS /səˈplaɪz/
plural of “supply” — an amount of something available for use
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
a special situation
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading One of those things was Spoof, and the other was Harold Brook, of the Mounted Police.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
two times
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
undemonstrativeadjective
not given to open expression of emotion
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
wagesnounUS /ˈweɪdʒəz/
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
worriedadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrid/
afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief
From this reading One thing--two things, to be exact--worried me more on that day of parting than I would have cared to confess.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading We had seen Mrs. Alton's new house--twelve feet square, it was, and eight feet high to the plates--under way; we had Spoof's promise that twice a day he would study the shack at Fourteen with his field glass for the flag that Marjorie would nail to the roof in case of any emergency; we had laid up fuel and supplies against the immediate needs of the girls during our absence, and now we were setting forth to earn what money we could during the short season of high wages.
wouldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our own oat field could wait; we would cut it for feed, anyway, and a little frost wouldn't matter.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading It was the first day of August of that first year on the prairies that Jack and I hitched the oxen to the wagon, threw on board a kit consisting mainly of a change of clothes and a blanket for each of us, said a brave but undemonstrative good-bye to the girls, and turned our faces to the older settlements.
