Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading But Eagle Creek was a man of resource.

alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

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

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

the state (usually of a woman) of having no children or being unable to have children

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

plural of “bottom” — the lower side of anything

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Eagle Creek was a man of resource.

the act of buying

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

money collected under a tariff

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

capable of seeing to a great distance

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

past form of “fence” — enclose with a fence

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

past form of “gobble” — eat hastily without proper chewing

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

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

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

plural of “herd” — a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

refuse to acknowledge

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

immediately past

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

-ing form of “lease” — let for money

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

for more time

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading But Eagle Creek was a man of resource.

come together

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

the force of workers available

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

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

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

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

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

very recently

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

not any; not one

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

and nothing more

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

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

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading But Eagle Creek was a man of resource.

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

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

a particular situation

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

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

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

being four more than twenty

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

up to a particular time

From this reading When he finally did confess to himself that things couldn't go on like that, others had been before him in leasing and buying land, until only the dry benches were left to him and his hungry herds.

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

From this reading But Eagle Creek was a man of resource.

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

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.

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

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

at the time that

From this reading He could no longer ignore the barrenness of the range, or close his eyes to the grim fact that his cattle were facing starvation--and that in June, when they should be taking on flesh.

in or at the place that

From this reading Eagle Creek Smith had at last reached the point where he must face new conditions and change established customs.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading When the round-up pulled in and Wooden Shoes reported to him the general state of the cattle, and told of the water-holes newly fenced and of creek bottoms gobbled by men more farseeing than he, Eagle Creek took twenty-four hours to adjust himself to the situation and to meet the crisis before him.