Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

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

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

with no effort to conceal

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

plural of “bayou” — a swampy arm or slow-moving outlet of a lake (term used mainly in Mississippi and Louisiana)

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

consisting of or made of wood of the birch tree

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

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

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

apart from; not including

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

a state in southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

engage in

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

the act of managing something

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

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 They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

not any; not one

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

plural of “oar” — an implement used to propel or steer a boat

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

possessive form of “peter” — disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

a hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

hit with a missile from a weapon

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

and nothing more

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

plural of “skiff” — any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

the season of growth

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

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

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

past form of “steer” — direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

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

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

a musician who plays the trumpet or cornet

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

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

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They had made many a canoe trip upon the lower Mississippi and the bayous of Louisiana; besides their journey up the St. Peter's had rendered them familiar with the management of their birchen craft.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.

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

From this reading THE TRUMPETER SWAN AND THE BALD EAGLE It was the spring season, though late.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The snow had entirely disappeared from the hills, and the ice from the water, and the melting of both had swollen the river, and rendered its current more rapid than usual.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The skilful voyageurs can shoot them to any point they please, simply by their dexterous handling of the oars; and Basil, Lucien, and Francois, had had sufficient practice both with "skiffs" and "dug-outs" to make good oarsmen of all three.

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

From this reading Our young voyageurs needed not therefore to ply their oars, except now and then to guide the canoe; for these little vessels have no rudder, but are steered by the paddles.