Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

possessing life

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

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

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

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

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

plural of “atrocity” — the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

object formed by a mold

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

apart from; not including

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

an association of criminals

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

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

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

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

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

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

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

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

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

investigate scientifically

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

of an obscure nature

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

plural of “outlaw” — someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

above and across; more than

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

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

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

a firearm that is held and fired with one hand

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

plural of “ranger” — a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

a meeting planned at a certain time and place

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

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

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

ready to fall asleep

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

in or at or to some place

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

the season of growth

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

in a tense manner

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

confined or restricted with or as if with a rope or chain

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Phil was fully alive to the dangers of his position, but the hope that he might discover something to the advantage of the Rangers, drove him on.

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

in the direction of

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

-ing form of “trickle” — run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

two times

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

branch out in a twiglike manner

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

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

From this reading But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

defying expression or description

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

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

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

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 But he heard nothing except the gentle sounds of the woodland at dusk, the twittering of sleepy birds, the faint trickling of running water somewhere in the distance.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

in or at the place that

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Twice a twig cracked under his foot with a noise that seemed to him like the report of a pistol shot and he stopped dead in his tracks tensely on the alert, ready to spring back toward the spot where he had tethered his horse, should the need of action arrive.

land that is covered with trees and shrubs

From this reading Frequently casting glances over his shoulders at the threatening shadows of the woodland, he made his way cautiously, step by step, as silent as a cat, toward the fire.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The Outlaws’ Rendezvous It was dangerous work, in those days of unspeakable atrocities committed by Espato’s gang of outlaws, to attempt to investigate a mysterious fire in the woods, especially alone.