Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

moving forward

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

(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 But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

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

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

one or the other of two

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

come together

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

start firing a weapon

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

plural of “hyena” — doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

baboon of west Africa with a bright red and blue muzzle and blue hindquarters

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

not any; not one

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

on one occasion

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

and nothing more

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

coated with paint

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

by chance

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

move hurridly

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

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

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

in the direction of

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

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

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

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

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud that we could not hear our own voices, as we spoke to one another!

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

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

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

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

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

From this reading Turn which way we would, their eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the blaze.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground, and advancing towards us from all sides.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

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

From this reading Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a match for either.

but in spite of that

From this reading About their design there could be no doubt: they were evidently advancing to attack us: and the reason why they did not rush forward at once may have been that they had some dread of approaching the fire; or perhaps they had not yet made up their minds as to what sort of enemies we were.