Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

(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 These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

past form of “ambush” — wait in hiding to attack

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

completely unclothed

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

a steep high face of rock

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

plural of “club” — a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

possessive form of “devil” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

past form of “heap” — bestow in large quantities

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

make a map of; show or establish the features of details of

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

and nothing more

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

covered with growing plants

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

inflected form of “overhang” — project over

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

plural of “product” — commodities offered for sale

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

past form of “rear” — stand up on the hind legs, of quadrupeds

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

not used up

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

plural of “shrub” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

having a supporting base

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

a sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

a dense growth of bushes

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

plural of “thistle” — any of numerous plants of the family Compositae and especially of the genera Carduus and Cirsium and Onopordum having prickly-edged leaves

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

bristling with perplexities

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

of imposing height; especially standing out above others

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

lacking stability or fixity or firmness

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

clean with some chemical process

From this reading The talus against the cliff was composed of loose fragments of stone and other products of wash and erosion.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

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

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading About twenty feet back from the edge of the rock was a pile of debris heaped up against the face of the cliff; but the remaining surface of the stone was clean bare and weather-beaten.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

in or at the place that

From this reading These bludgeon-shaped plants, thickly covered with sharp thorns, reared aloft their weapons as if in menace to all living things; the unstable ground and thorny thicket formed the only shelter where we could be ambushed in the rear, and it was not a likely spot to be chosen for such a purpose by man or beast.

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

From this reading We were standing on the surface of a flat table-rock, which jutted out from the face of the towering cliff and overhung the valley that was spread out like a map beneath us.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.

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

From this reading This was overgrown with a thicket of stunted shrubs, wry-necked goblin thistles and murderous devil’s clubs.