Chapter XV · Arthur’s Fight to Save Rusty

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

(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 In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

in addition

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

any thing at all

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

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

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

a youthful male person

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

someone who is a detective

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

set up or found

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

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

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

past form of “instill” — impart gradually

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

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

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

and nothing more

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

a form of address for a man

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

as follows

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

absolutely essential

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

something you have to do

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

on one occasion

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

and nothing more

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

precisely, exactly

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

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

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

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

From this reading In all his life Arthur had never before found it necessary to fight, though he had certainly received provocation enough from his Cousin Dick to do so more than once.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

not befitting a gentleman

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

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

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

the act of using

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

wanting in physical strength

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

at the time that

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

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

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

which person or people

From this reading He believed, for instance, that it is right and proper to do so in defence of the weak and helpless who have claims upon us for protection, provided that is the only way of defending them, and this principle he had thoroughly instilled into his child’s mind.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading At the same time Mr. Dustin had been too wise a man not to know that occasions may arise in everybody’s life when it becomes absolutely necessary to fight.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

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

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.

produce a literary work

From this reading Mr. Dustin also believed that every boy should be taught to use the weapons with which nature has provided him—namely, his fists—for the protection of himself and others, just as he should be taught to read and write or do a thousand other things necessary to his success and happiness in life.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading His own father had taught him to hate fighting and to avoid it if possible, as he would anything else that was ungentlemanly and wrong.