Chapter XI · The Turning Point

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

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

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

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

surprising greatly

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

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

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

put or pin the blame on

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

a youthful male person

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

the quality of not being careful or taking pains

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

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

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

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

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

having the pinkish flush of health

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

set up or found

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

only a very short time before

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

past form of “jostle” — make one's way by jostling, pushing, or shoving

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

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

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

larceny by threat of violence

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

make a shift in or exchange of

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

having your attention fixated as though by a spell

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

with tenderness; in a tender manner

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He stood there and stared, first at the flushed face of the man and then at the tear-stained countenance of Benjy.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Perhaps surprise held the spectators spellbound; or it might be they recognized the fact that Lige Corbley as a rule could fight his own battles.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

in the direction of

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly:

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

produced without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

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

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

at the time that

From this reading Lige could hardly believe his ears when the clerk of the jewelry establishment made this astonishing charge, eager to cover up his own carelessness at the time the robbery was committed and to shift the blame.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The crowd jostled and pushed to see and hear, but for a wonder it remained voiceless.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading The boy finally found his tongue, and turning toward his younger brother he exclaimed almost tenderly: