used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
(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 The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
axenounUS /æks/
an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
for the reason that
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
Blackguardverb
subject to laughter or ridicule
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
terminate
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
buckverbUS /bʌk/
to strive with determination
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
Buster's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
coltsnounUS /koʊlts/
plural of “colt” — a young male horse under the age of four
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
cowboynounUS /ˈkaʊbɔɪ/
a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
devilrynoun
wicked and cruel behavior
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
disarmingnounUS /dɪˈsɑːrmɪŋ/
act of reducing or depriving of arms
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
at any time
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
evil-mindedadjective
having evil thoughts or intentions
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
set up or found
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
made afraid
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
gentleradjectiveUS /ˈdʒentlər/
comparative of “gentle” — soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
inflictverbUS /ˌɪnˈflɪkt/
impose something unpleasant
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
Kootenay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
masterynounUS /ˈmæstəri/
great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
mercilessadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrsələs/
having or showing no mercy
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
misgivingnounUS /mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋ/
uneasiness about the fitness of an action
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
and nothing more
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
outwitverbUS /ˈaʊtwɪt/
beat through cleverness and wit
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
the act of punishing
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
submittedverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
surrenderingverbUS /sərˈendərɪŋ/
-ing form of “surrender” — give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
teamsternounUS /ˈtiːmstər/
the driver of a team of horses doing hauling
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When they submitted, he could be gentle enough, but that they had to find out by surrendering first to his mastery.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
precisely as stated
From this reading There is no doubt that from the very start he was the best "buck hero" ever known in Kootenay.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
at the time that
From this reading The Blackguard was a terror to evil-minded horses, heavy enough when he chose to almost break their backs, strong enough to inflict most merciless punishment, alert to outwit all manner of devilry, because he had the gift of seeing things from the horse point of view.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
winningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/
having won
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Too heavy for a cowboy, he was an excellent teamster, a fairly good hand with an axe, so that General Buster's only misgiving was the fear of losing him.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading He had a wonderful way of disarming the fears and winning the confidence of frightened colts, so that, while the dangerous animals feared him, the gentler beasts found him the best of friends.
