used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
at or in the front
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
ascentnounUS /əˈsent/
an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
BobbynounUS /ˈbɑːbi/
an informal term for a British policeman
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
browseverbUS /braʊz/
shop around; not necessarily buying
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
chaptersnounUS /ˈtʃæptərz/
plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
without stop or interruption
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
farenounUS /fer/
an agenda of things to do
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
gailyadverbUS /ˈɡeɪli/
in a gay manner
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
homewardadverbUS /ˈhoʊmwərd/
toward home
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
a single distinct event
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
mattressnounUS /ˈmætrəs/
a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
musclesnounUS /ˈmʌsəlz/
plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
NATCHESS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
go across or through
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
ReadersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
relishingnounUS /ˈrelɪʃɪŋ/
taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
To recall to mind.
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
move by turning over or rotating
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
from appearances alone
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
stiffenedverbUS /ˈstɪfənd/
past form of “stiffen” — become stiff or stiffer
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
strappedverbUS /stræpt/
inflected form of “strap” — tie with a strap
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
sweatnounUS /swet/
salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
three-point
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading TRIP THROUGH THE NATCHESS PASS—[CONTINUED.]
trottingverbUS /ˈtrɑːtɪŋ/
inflected form of “trot” — run at a moderately swift pace
From this reading He seemingly had concluded he had had enough of the trip, and started to go home, trotting off gaily down the mountain.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bobby had, as I have said, been restless during the night, and, when the roll of blankets and the hard bread was securely strapped on behind, suddenly turned his face homeward, evidently not relishing the fare of browse for supper.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
at the time that
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Readers of previous chapters will remember the lonely camp mentioned and the steep mountain ahead of it to reach the summit.
in the company of; together with
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading What with the sweat incident to the day's travel, the chill air of an October night in the mountains, with but half a three-point blanket as covering and the ground for a mattress, small wonder my muscles were a little stiffened when I arose and prepared for the ascent to the summit.
