Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
act
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
ACTIONS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
animals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
associates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
boarders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
Bud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
charges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
claimed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
committed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
cover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
Creek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
Dick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
distinguished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
done
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
drive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
driving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
explained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
expressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
favorite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
herders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
long
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
matters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
mended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
Merkel's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
molested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
openly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
overt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
pirate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
practically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
proceed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
ranchers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
remained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
repelling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
sheep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
Spur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
STRANGE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
tales
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
telephone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
term
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
termed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "It's like this," explained Bud, for his father had made matters plain to him over the mended telephone line.
Thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading "Overt act" is a law term, and practically means an open act as distinguished from one that is done in secret and under cover.
UntilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading But until the sheep men had done something--had committed an overt act--they could not be molested as long as they remained where they were.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Thus if the sheep herders should openly attempt to cross the creek, and drive their animals up on Mr. Merkel's land--or land which he claimed--then Bud and his associates could proceed against them, driving them off--"repelling boarders," as Dick expressed it, having in mind some of his favorite pirate tales.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
woolly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STRANGE ACTIONS Until there was what in law is termed an "overt act," the boy ranchers and their friends could do nothing against the sheep herders who were there in plain sight, with their woolly charges on the far side of Spur Creek.
