Chapter IX

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

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

later than; following

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

at or in the front

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

a native or inhabitant of Albania

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

traveling across

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

set up or found

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

the act of departing

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

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

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

the state of being honored

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

with strained or eager attention

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

past form of “molest” — harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

above and across; more than

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

a course of conduct

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

fraught with danger

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

covered with a roof; having a roof as specified (often used in combination)

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

cut with a saw

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

(Islam) a rebellious jinni who leads men astray

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

in a shrill voice

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

inflected form of “spin” — revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

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

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

the upper part of anything

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

a conveyance that transports people or objects

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The gate in its high and massive wall stood open.

past form of “wall” — surround with a wall in order to fortify

From this reading THE HONOUR OF AN ALBANIAN Passing a long stretch of walled olive-gardens, the travellers arrived at Elbasan.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

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

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

at the time that

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.

past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They ran through into a narrow, dirty street, roofed over with matting and dry leaves, scattering the groups of wild, sullen-looking inhabitants, some of whom raised a fierce cry of “Shaitan!”; others put their fingers into their mouths and whistled shrilly, after the manner of English butcher-boys.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading But the travellers were not molested; they left the town, spun through a barren valley, and crossing the river Skumbi by the high one-arched bridge, found themselves climbing a steep and difficult path that wound along at the edge of clay precipices, so narrow that if they had met another vehicle, or a mule-train, further progress would have been impossible.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading They had nearly reached the top, going slowly, as the perilous nature of the path demanded, when they saw, bright against the grey wall ahead, a young man with a rifle in his hand, intently watching them.