Chapter I

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

chair with a support on each side for arms

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

someone who fights (or is fighting)

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

shining unsteadily

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

powerful brownish-yellow bear of the uplands of western North America

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

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

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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 Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

plural of “moccasin” — soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

not easily borne; wearing

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

located, suited for, or taking place in the open air

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

above and across; more than

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

the act of mending a hole in a garment by sewing a patch over it

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

an amount of time

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

blowing tobacco smoke out into the air

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

in a reminiscent manner

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

an associate who shares a room with you

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

your consciousness of your own identity

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

possessive form of “sids” — sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

a male human offspring

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE RING-NECKED GRIZZLY,” “THE BOYS’ BOOK OF HUNTING AND FISHING,” ETC.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

an award for success in war or hunting

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Colonel Colvin sat in a great roomy armchair in the Colvin Trophy Den, puffing reminiscently at a short black pipe and gazing abstractedly into the flickering flames of glowing logs in the rugged stone fireplace that was the heart of the Den.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

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

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sid, his son, and Sid’s chum, Scotty, were patching their cruiser moccasins with hand sewing-awls, the former now and then glancing over at his father anxiously.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading The Colonel looked peaked and worn,--a thin, gray ghost of his former robust self,--for his duty during the War had been onerous in the extreme, as head of the Army Detail Office at Washington.

a late time of life

From this reading Sid feared a total collapse of the old Indian fighter, for nothing is harder on the system of a man raised to years of violent outdoor life than a long period of desk work.