Chapter VII · Burning Spur and Blinding Claw

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

acquired as your own by free choice

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

without stop or interruption

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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 Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

moving toward the east

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

make larger

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

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

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

of the present time and place

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

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

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

plural of “lynx” — a text browser

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

the officer below the master on a commercial ship

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

any new participant in some activity

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

not any; not one

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

on one occasion

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

and nothing more

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

fraught with danger

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

existing or coming before

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

plural of “range” — an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

comparative of “safe” — free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

plural of “settlement” — 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 Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

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

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

an extended area of land

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

precisely as stated

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading The newcomer took to the dry, warm burrow very kindly, and proceeded at once to enlarge it beyond the immediate needs of Red Fox himself.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading It was man, and the ways of man, and the allies and followers of man, that held her shrewd spirit in awe.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Lynxes and bears, of course, were more numerous on her range, but these she well knew how to evade, so she troubled her head little about them.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

toward the west

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

in or at the place that

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

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

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

during the time that

From this reading Once fairly settled, the two adopted separate ranges, Red Fox hunting down the valley and eastward along the lower slopes, which was, of course, the more perilous tract; while his mate took the safer region to westward of the den, where there were no settlements and no dogs, and only an occasional camp of harmless lumbermen to beware of.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading During the first part of the winter the abundance which had marked the preceding autumn continued.