Chapter XII · Chapter 12

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

nearest in space or position; immediately adjoining without intervening space

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

later than; following

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

showing little or no emotion or animation

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

being joined in close association

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

past form of “cow” — subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

having lost or been caused to lose interest because of overexposure

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

one or the other of two

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

divisible by two

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

start firing a weapon

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

the act of grazing

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

having the identity known or established

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

kill a large number of people indiscriminately

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

a covering of coarse fabric (usually of straw or hemp)

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

the force of workers available

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

plural of “missourian” — a native or resident of Missouri

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

used to form the superlative

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

not any; not one

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

held or filled or in use

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

and nothing more

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

above and across; more than

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

existing or coming before

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

held in check with difficulty

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

the season of growth

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

plural of “survivor” — one who lives through affliction

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading In sheer indecision the great aggregation of wagons, piled up along the stream, lay apathetic, and no order came for the advance.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading No word, either, came from the Missourians, and so cowed or dulled were most of the men of the caravan that they did not venture far, even to undertake trailing out after the survivors of the massacre.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Jed and his cow guards were obliged to drive the cattle back into the ridges for better grazing, for the valley and adjacent country, which had not been burned over by the Indians the preceding fall, held a lower matting of heavy dry grass through which the green grass of springtime appeared only in sparser and more smothered growth.

which person or people

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.

United States advocate of women's suffrage; in 1872 she was the first woman to run for the United States presidency (1838-1927)

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading No word came of Woodhull, or of two others who could not be identified as among the victims at the death camp.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading WILD FIRE The afternoon wore on, much occupied with duties connected with the sad scenes of the tragedy.