used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
any thing at all
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
Bessie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
descentnounUS /dɪˈsent/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
DollynounUS /ˈdɑːli/
conveyance consisting of a wheeled support on which a camera can be mounted
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
divisible by two
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
gypsynounUS /ˈdʒɪpsi/
a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
not any; not one
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
on one occasion
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
pursuingadjectiveUS /pərˈsuːɪŋ/
following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading She had two reasons.
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
cut with a saw
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
carry out
From this reading Bessie did not know whether he would recognize her as having been at the gypsy camp with Dolly, but she felt that it would be as well not to take the chance.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
terrifyingadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪɪŋ/
causing extreme terror
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
in or at that place or location
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
a special situation
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She had two reasons.
unnerveverbUS /əˈnɜːrv/
disturb the composure of
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading A TERRIBLE SURPRISE Bessie, though she had to pause more than once in her wild descent of the rocks, dared not look back to see if the gypsy, Peter, was pursuing her, or even whether he was looking down after her.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And, moreover, even if Peter saw her, he might not, if she paid no attention to him, suspect that she had anything to do with Dolly, or that he and his companion had anything to dread from her.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For one thing, the task was difficult and terrifying enough as it was, and to know that there was danger from behind, as well as the peril involved in the descent itself, would, she feared, unnerve her.
