Chapter VIII · On the Line

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

at or in or to any place

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

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

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

an inhabitant of a border area (especially the border between Scotland and England)

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

without care or concern

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

a person who is in charge

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

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

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

mark as different

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

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

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

-ing form of “excuse” — accept an excuse for

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

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

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

marked by or paying little heed or attention

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

of the present time and place

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

a formal or official examination

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

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

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

immediately past

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

teaching by giving a discourse on some subject (typically to a class)

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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 The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

and nothing more

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

the line that appears to bound an object

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

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

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

imagine to be the case or true or probable

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area

From this reading The conversation did not last long, for the old chief finally stole away to the left along the line, as if on a tour of inspection, and, covered by his rustling, for he moved carelessly, the borderer crept forward.

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

From this reading The two Indians sat down side by side, and proceeded to hold a short conversation in low tones, the scout seeing every motion.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

someone engaged in or experienced in warfare

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

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

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

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

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

the words that are spoken

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading The outline of one of them was that of an old chief, for Kenton could distinguish the eagle-feathers, only worn by chiefs.

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

From this reading It was evident that the old chief, astute as he was, did not suspect that his enemies were anywhere in the immediate vicinity, or he would not have made so much noise.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading This warrior seemed to be gravely lecturing his heedless companion on his folly in firing, and the young one seemed to be excusing himself, although Kenton did not fully understand their words.