used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
anew
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
eagerly desirous
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
make certain of
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
BEAVERSnounUS /ˈbiːvərz/
plural of “beaver” — the soft brown fur of the beaver
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
the two together, not just one
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
cringingadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪndʒɪŋ/
totally submissive
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
Elmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
encroachingadjectiveUS /ɪnˈkroʊtʃɪŋ/
gradually intrusive without right or permission
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
divisible by two
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
start firing a weapon
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
flapjacksnounUS /ˈflæpdʒæks/
plural of “flapjack” — a flat cake of thin batter fried on both sides on a griddle
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
houndnounUS /haʊnd/
any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
jollyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːli/
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
leashnounUS /liːʃ/
restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
lunaticadjectiveUS /ˈluːnətɪk/
insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
engage in
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
messnounUS /mes/
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
pansnounUS /pænz/
plural of “pan” — cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
PerknounUS /pɜːrk/
an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
preservesnounUS /prəˈzɜːrvz/
fruit preserved by cooking with sugar
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
rangingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪndʒɪŋ/
wandering freely
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
rattlingnounUS /ˈrætlɪŋ/
a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
savoryadjectiveUS /ˈseɪvəri/
morally wholesome or acceptable
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
shudderingadjectiveUS /ˈʃʌdərɪŋ/
shaking convulsively or violently
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
solemnlyadverbUS /ˈsɔːləmli/
in a grave and sedate manner
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
in or at or to some place
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
in the near future
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
succumbedverbUS /səˈkʌmd/
past form of “succumb” — consent reluctantly
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
timbernounUS /ˈtɪmbər/
the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading The beast had seemed both big, and inclined to be savage; and Perk could not help shuddering to think of his getting loose from his leash and coming on the cringing lunatic somewhere in the lonely timber.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
tinnounUS /tɪn/
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
precisely as stated
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ALL BUSY AS BEAVERS It was some time before the boys could settle down again to sleep.
at the time that
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But finally even the anxious Perk succumbed, and when he again opened his eyes it was to find that daylight had come, with Elmer outside starting up the fire, and some one else rattling the tin pans, as if getting ready for a jolly breakfast.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading As that was encroaching on his private preserves, Perk hastened to bob up and assure the others he would soon be on deck, prepared to make a mess of his savory “flapjacks,” as he had solemnly promised to do the very first morning in camp.
yapverbUS /jæp/
bark in a high-pitched tone
From this reading Perk often believed he could catch a distant yap from the ranging hound, and it never failed to give him a thrill.
