used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
anew
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
danglingnounUS /ˈdæŋɡəlɪŋ/
the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
opinion or judgment
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
GiraffenounUS /dʒərˈæf/
tallest living quadruped; having a spotted coat and small horns and very long neck and legs; of savannahs of tropical Africa
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
the act of departing
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
grippedverbUS /ɡrɪpt/
inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
HennounUS /hen/
adult female chicken
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
knucklesnounUS /ˈnʌkəlz/
(used in the plural) a small metal weapon; worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
patrolnounUS /pəˈtroʊl/
a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/
the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
Identical; not different.
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading "Don't be silly, Giraffe!" cried the patrol leader.
staresnounUS /sterz/
plural of “stare” — a fixed look with eyes open wide
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
Thad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Giraffe, seeing him going on, pushed to his side; and when the two of them came close to the object that had gripped their attention, they turned to exchange stares.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
at the time that
From this reading "Same old cat again!" burst out Giraffe; and he was in the act of raising his gun, to his shoulder this time, when Thad caught hold of it.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Meanwhile Step Hen had cautiously advanced a pace or two, staring at the dangling object as though he did not know whether to really believe his eyes or not.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "But--it _is_ a cat!" exclaimed the other, rubbing his eyes with the knuckles of one hand, and looking again.
