Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

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

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

a strongbox for holding cash

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

box in which a corpse is buried or cremated

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

an admission of misdeeds or faults

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

deem to be

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading The fellow, whoever he was, had disappeared.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

opinion or judgment

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

a boy or man

From this reading The fellow, whoever he was, had disappeared.

emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

a quick look

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading The fellow, whoever he was, had disappeared.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

a narrow way or road

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

a woman of refinement

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

and nothing more

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

the local environment

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

a course of conduct

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

express in words

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

in the near future

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

plural of “start” — the beginning of anything

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

an upright that is a member in a door or window frame

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

not in physical motion

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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

From this reading CAPTAIN BRANSCOME'S CONFESSION--THE FLAG AND THE CASHBOX.

in or at that place or location

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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 This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

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 This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.

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

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

(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 "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "I can't say but what I was still puzzled, though the likeliest explanation--indeed, the only likely one--seemed to be that my eyes had played me a trick.

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

From this reading The fellow, whoever he was, had disappeared.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

but in spite of that

From this reading "Well, ma'am," resumed Captain Branscome, "so strong was the likeness to old Coffin, and yet so incredible was it he should be in these parts, that, almost without stopping to consider, I turned down the lane on the chance of another glimpse of the man.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading This brought me, of course, to the stile leading into the plantation; but the path there, as you know, takes a turn among the trees almost as soon as it starts, and runs, moreover, through a pretty thick undergrowth.