Chapter I

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

someone who offers opposition

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

plural of “chisel” — an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

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

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

plural of “hit” — (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

feeling great sexual desire

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

not causing anger or annoyance

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

enter uninvited

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

drive or propel with the foot

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

plural of “kick” — the act of delivering a blow with the foot

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

staying power

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

not any; not one

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

and nothing more

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand)

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

pen where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

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

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

tear or be torn violently

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

in a vicious manner

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

free from ambiguity

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

a fierce or audacious person

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

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

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

precisely as stated

From this reading He stands from seven to nine feet in height, and is very heavy.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading His tremendous legs are his only weapons, and his kick is almost, if not quite, equal to that of a horse.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

at the time that

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

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

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

which person or people

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The power of the ostrich, too, is quite equal to his strength of will.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Possessing enormous feet, with two toes on each, the horny points of which can cut and rip like cold chisels, he rushes at an adversary and kicks, or hits out, straightforward, like a prize-fighter.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading In ordinary circumstances the ostrich is a mild, inoffensive creature-- indeed the female is always so; but when a male ostrich is what I may style nesting--when, enclosed in a large field or paddock, he guards his wives and his eggs--no lion of the desert, no tiger of the jungle or kloof, is more ferocious or more savagely bent on the death of any or all who dare to intrude on his domain.