Chapter XI · The Tables Turned

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

at or in the front

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

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

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

aroused to action

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

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

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

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

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

freedom to act or judge on one's own

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

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

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

one or the other of two

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

made afraid

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

past form of “growl” — to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

the act of retaining something

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

immediately past

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

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

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

in a vicious manner

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

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

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

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

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

a source of difficulty

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

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

From this reading It was Barney Redman, the leader of the Swamp Dragoons.

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

From this reading His presence there was enough to convince me that there was trouble ahead; and I knew that the sooner my companions were aroused and the camp put in a state of defense, the better it would be for us.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What had I seen behind that log that frightened me so badly?

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He had thrown himself flat on his back to escape observation, and was holding in the leash a gaunt, fierce-looking hound, which sprang forward and growled savagely at me as I approached his master’s hiding-place.

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

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.

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

From this reading Now, although the captain of the Dragoons had the reputation of being a young desperado, I was not afraid of him or his dog either, and under almost any other circumstances I would have been the last one to run from him; but on this occasion, discretion was the better part of valor.