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 "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

anew

From this reading "I think--" repeated the first speaker, pausing again.

how long something has existed

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

established by authority; given authoritative approval

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

a youthful male person

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

in a brisk manner

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

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

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "I think--" repeated the first speaker, pausing again.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

disinclined to work or exertion

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

a boy or man

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

on one occasion

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

plural of “palisade” — fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading "I think--" repeated the first speaker, pausing again.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

inflected form of “query” — pose a question

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

the basic unit of money in South Africa; equal to 100 cents

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

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

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

recurring again and again

From this reading "I think--" repeated the first speaker, pausing again.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

Identical; not different.

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

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

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

being one more than fifteen

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

express in speech

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading "I think--" repeated the first speaker, pausing again.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

having a supporting base

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

in a resolute manner

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

the upper part of anything

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

two times

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

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

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

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

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.

in or at the place that

From this reading "I think--" began a tall, slenderly-built lad of sixteen, speaking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to look down through the trees to where the river gleamed below.

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

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side of the mountain from the town of Creston, which was perched, like the nest of some great bird, in a hollow of the Palisades.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "That's right, Randolph," approved his companion briskly, "always think twice before you speak once."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "What's on your mind now, Rand?" his companion queried, a boy of about the same age, nearly as tall, but more stoutly built, and as light in complexion as the other was dark.