Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

(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 Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

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

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

the amount that many barrels might hold

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

a youthful male person

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

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

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

past form of “browse” — shop around; not necessarily buying

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

past form of “crackle” — make a crackling sound

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

absence of light or illumination

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

a large subtropical swamp in southern Florida that is noted for its wildlife

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

start firing a weapon

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

shining unsteadily

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

depressingly dark

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

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

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

plural of “hunter” — someone who hunts game

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

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

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

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

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

having abundant light or illumination

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

with neatness

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

arrange in a container

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

fraught with danger

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

a coniferous tree

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

expressing sorrow

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

rip off; ask an unreasonable price

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

untanned hide especially of cattle; cut in strips it is used for whips and ropes

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

put a saddle on

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

except for; apart from

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

not in physical motion

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

confined or restricted with or as if with a rope or chain

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

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

From this reading Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades Author of "The Boy Chums on Indian River," "The Boy Chums on Haunted Island," "The Boy Chums' Perilous Cruise," "The Boy Chums in the Gulf of Mexico."

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

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

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading In a little clearing by the side of a faint bridle-path a huge fire of fat pine knots roared and crackled, lighting up the small cleared space and throwing its flickering rays in amongst the dark, gloomy pines.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

during the time that

From this reading Nearer to the fire lay a neatly done-up pack, and beside it a high-pommeled Mexican saddle, while the firelight gleamed on the polished barrels of a fine shotgun and rifle leaning against the pack.

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

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.

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

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

lean and sinewy

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

in the company of; together with

From this reading At the edge of the clearing, two wiry little Florida ponies, tethered with rawhide ropes, browsed upon the short, dry wire-grass.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Under the Title of The Young Plume Hunters Night had fallen upon a wild Florida forest, and all was still save for the hooting of a distant owl and the occasional plaintive call of a whip-poor-will.