used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
bouldersnounUS /ˈboʊldərz/
plural of “boulder” — a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
of short duration or distance
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
buffalonounUS /ˈbʌfəloʊ/
large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
cownounUS /kaʊ/
female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
defileverb
place under suspicion or cast doubt upon
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
developmentsnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənts/
plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
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 At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
fleeingverbUS /ˈfliːɪŋ/
-ing form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
howlings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
be the source of pain
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
limpingnounUS /ˈlɪmpɪŋ/
disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
manifestverbUS /ˈmænəfest/
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
noisesnounUS /ˈnɔɪzɪz/
plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
and nothing more
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
plungingverbUS /ˈplʌndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
ReubennounUS /ˈruːbən/
(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
cut with a saw
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing buffalo.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
trappernounUS /ˈtræpər/
someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
wolvesnounUS /wʊlvz/
plural of “wolf” — any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
people who are wounded
From this reading In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded buffalo cow.
yelpings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Only one glance was required to show the young trapper that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her flight was not slow in spite of her trouble.
