Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

past form of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

again but in a new or different way

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

moving or going or growing upward

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

with brightness

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

an occurrence of something

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

the dried root of the chicory plant: used as a coffee substitute

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

The quality of being intelligent, quick to understand, and resourceful in danger.

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

having the place or position changed

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “expedition” — a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

an external body part that projects from the body

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

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

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

bulky food like grass or hay for browsing or grazing horses or cattle

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

set up or found

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

be suspended or hanging

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

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

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

a small worthless amount

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

possessive form of “jack” — a small worthless amount

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

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

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

a supply of food especially for a household

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “monkey” — any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

not any; not one

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

and nothing more

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

having branches or flower heads that bend downward

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

having or covered in plumage; often used as a combining form

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

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

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

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

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

moving as on a slippery surface

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

plural of “snake” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

comparative of “thick” — 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 Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

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

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

push forcefully

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

up to a particular time

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

-ing form of “twine” — spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

the act of using

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

precisely as stated

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

a craftsman who weaves cloth

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

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

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading Many of these twining little creatures fell victims to Jack's shot-gun, as well as to that of his brother, the guns being constantly in use as well to bring down the brilliantly plumaged birds that abounded in the rich forest growth of this well-watered land.

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

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.

in or at the place that

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

during the time that

From this reading While camp was kept up near the great falls, Jack and Chicory had some splendid nesting expeditions, the pendulous weaver, birds' nests coming in largely for their attention.

in the company of; together with

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

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

From this reading These showed no little cleverness in ascending trees, and proceeding along the branches till they found their way to a nest, where, in spite of the frantic cries and flutterings of the birds, the little serpent would glide in, and the parents might go and start afresh, for their labours would prove to have been only to find the little snake a pleasant larder, where it could coil up and glut itself with food.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Then there were the snakes--long, thin, twining creatures, a yard or a yard and a half long, but no thicker than the finger.

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

From this reading They disturbed very few though, for, as Jack said, it was hard upon the poor birds, seeing what a lot of enemies they had--artful monkeys slipping down the long thin branches, till they could hang by one hand, and thrust the other little thin brown extremity up the bottle-neck shaped opening, to forage for eggs or young birds, as the case might be.