Chapter V

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

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

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

any of several trees of the genus Populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

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

From this reading There was no time to be lost!

have

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

the two together, not just one

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

plural of “claw” — sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

dwell on with satisfaction

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

without deviation

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

an abrupt spasmodic movement

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

staying power

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

bringing a charge or accusation against someone

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading There was no time to be lost!

a particular point in time

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

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

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

not any; not one

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

-ing form of “quake” — shake with fast, tremulous movements

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

precisely, exactly

From this reading It was bending more and more to the right, and directly over the bear, and he was lifting his legs higher and higher.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

cut with a saw

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

made afraid

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

plural of “swipe” — a sweeping stroke or blow

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no time to be lost!

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There was no time to be lost!

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

put in motion or move to act

From this reading Scared though I was, I raised my gun, took careful sight for a heart shot at the big animal, and pulled the trigger.

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

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

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

From this reading He could find no lodgment for his feet and could climb no higher; as it was, the little tree threatened to snap in two at any moment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

at the time that

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A FIGHT WITH THE RIVER PEOPLE I went but a little way through the brush when, in the dim light, I saw Red Crow clinging with both hands to a slender, swaying, quaking aspen, and jerking up his feet from the up-reaching swipes of a big bear's claws.