Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

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

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

inspiring awe or admiration or wonder

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

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

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

past form of “brandish” — move or swing back and forth

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

braying characteristic of donkeys

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

the act of breaking something

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

lacking funds

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

A short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used as a stealth weapon.

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

emit long loud cries

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

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

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

and nothing more

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

plural of “lung” — either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

without a sound

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

owed as a debt

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

past form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

participate in games or sport

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

cause fear in

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

someone who visits

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

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

From this reading This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you."