used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
alighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
(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 The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
a quantity of money
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
cliffnounUS /klɪf/
a steep high face of rock
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
concentrateverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪt/
make denser, stronger, or purer
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
cordnounUS /kɔːrd/
a line made of twisted fibers or threads
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
dartingverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
having gaps or spaces
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
dovenounUS /dʌv/
any of numerous small pigeons
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
erectverbUS /ɪˈrekt/
construct, build, or erect
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
to an extreme degree
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
firma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
fortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
in a gradual manner
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
an old word meaning “to this place”
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
kitenounUS /kaɪt/
a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
immediately past
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
staying power
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
for more time
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
MercurynounUS /ˈmɜːrkjəri/
a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
a particular point in time
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
nimblyadverbUS /ˈnɪmbli/
in a nimble or agile manner; with quickness and lightness and ease
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
not any; not one
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
Ossaroo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
in other respects or ways
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
overbalanceverb
weigh more heavily
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
overbalanced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
poiseverbUS /pɔɪz/
be motionless, in suspension
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
preynounUS /preɪ/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
red-hotadjective
having strong sexual appeal
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
not used up
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
resistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
rodnounUS /rɑːd/
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
a strong line
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
Identical; not different.
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
shikaree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
sky-kissing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
not in physical motion
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
swoopnounUS /swuːp/
(music) rapid sliding up or down the musical scale
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
terra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
an old word meaning “to that place”
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
the upper part of anything
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
arousing affect
From this reading The moment that the shikaree felt his feet touching _terra firma_, he sprang nimbly to one side, at the same instant letting go the rope, as if it had been a rod of red-hot iron!
in the direction of
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading As it was, he came down as gently as a dove, alighting upon his legs, and remaining erect upon them, like Mercury upon the top of his "sky-kissing mountain."
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ossaroo, still clinging to the cord, was carried some distance from the cliff; but, fortunately for him, the weight of his body overbalanced the resistance which the atmosphere offered to the broad surface of the kite; else he might have been carried much higher into the air.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The great kite, no longer held in poise against the wind, commenced darting hither and thither; at each turn descending lower and lower-- until by one last swoop, in which it seemed to concentrate all its failing strength, it came down towards Ossaroo like a gigantic bird of prey descending upon its victim!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Equally fortunate was it, that the amount of overbalance was exceedingly slight--otherwise he might have been dashed with violence to the earth!
