used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
having companions or an escort
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
move towards
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
a youthful male person
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
the act of breaking something
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
Can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
dashverbUS /dæʃ/
run or move very quickly or hastily
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
DEFENSIVEadjectiveUS /dɪˈfensɪv/
intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
From this reading ON THE DEFENSIVE.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
characterized by great determination
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
equidistantadjective
the same distance apart at every point
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
fearfullyadverb
in fear
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
firesnounUS /ˈfaɪərz/
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/
plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
IrishmannounUS /ˈaɪrɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of Ireland
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
and nothing more
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
engage in
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
meditated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
MickeynounUS /ˈmɪki/
(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Irish descent
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
a particular point in time
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
mustangsnounUS /ˈmʌstæŋz/
plural of “mustang” — small hardy range horse of the western plains descended from horses brought by the Spanish
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
not one, and not any
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ON THE DEFENSIVE.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
a course of conduct
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
the possibility of future success
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
redskinsnounUS /ˈredskɪnz/
plural of “redskin” — (slang) offensive term for Native Americans
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
reiningverbUS /ˈreɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “rein” — control and direct with or as if by reins
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
successive (without a break)
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ON THE DEFENSIVE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But, slight as was his own prospect of escape, he knew there was absolutely none for the boy in such a desperate effort, and he determined that it should not be made.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Can't we make a dash straight through them?" asked Fred, reading the thought of Mickey, as he glanced from one to the other, and noted the fearfully rapid approach of the redskins.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading AT the moment of reining up their mustangs, the fugitives were about equidistant between the two fires, and it was just as dangerous to advance as to retreat.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For one second the Irishman meditated a desperate charge, in the hope of breaking through the company that first appeared in his path, and, had he been alone, or accompanied by a man, he would have done so.
