Chapter XV

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

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

confined by bonds

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

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

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

the act of burning something

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

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

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

possessive form of “death” — the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

someone who is a detective

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

promote the growth of

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

intense and profound fear

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

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

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

and nothing more

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

make loose or looser

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

a particular point in time

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

express in words

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

make very hot and dry

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

in or at that place or location

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

bound or secured closely

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

communicated in words

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

precisely as stated

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously:

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.

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

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

at the time that

From this reading Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.”

plural of “youth” — a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them.