Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

(Roman Catholic Church) one of the great Fathers of the early Christian church; after a dramatic conversion to Christianity he became bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa; St. Augustine emphasized man's need for grace (354-430)

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

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

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

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

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

plural of “fur” — the dressed hairy coat of a mammal

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

a man of refinement

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

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

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

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

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

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

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

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

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

plural of “lodge” — English physicist who studied electromagnetic radiation and was a pioneer of radiotelegraphy (1851-1940)

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

engage in

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

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

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

in a northern direction

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

not divisible by two

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

many times at short intervals

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

any competition

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

being one more than sixteen

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

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

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

plural of “trail” — a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

relating to or characteristic of a tribe

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

plural of “tribesman” — someone who lives in a tribe

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

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

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

plural of “vicissitude” — a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

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

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

plural of “wandering” — travelling about without any clear destination

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

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

From this reading My father was that Robert Benteen, merchant in furs, the first of the English race to make permanent settlement in New Orleans.

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

From this reading The early death of my mother compelled me to become companion to my father in his wanderings, so that before I was seventeen the dim forest trails, the sombre rivers, and the dark lodges of savages had grown as familiar to me as were the streets and houses of my native town.

in or at the place that

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.

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

From this reading My mother was of Spanish blood, a native of Saint Augustine, so I grew up fairly proficient in three languages, and to them I later added an odd medley of tribal tongues which often stood me in excellent stead amid the vicissitudes of the frontier.

during the time that

From this reading Here he established a highly profitable trade with the Indians, his bateaux voyaging as far northward as the falls of the Ohio, while his influence among the tribesmen extended to the eastern mountains.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I am Geoffrey Benteen, Gentleman Adventurer, with much experience upon the border, where I have passed my life.