Chapter XXVII · Again in the World of Light

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

plural of “bruise” — an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

at any time

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

brought together in one place

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

of the color of black ink

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

immediately past

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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 Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

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 They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

engage in

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

the force of workers available

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

past form of “motion” — show, express or direct through movement

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

not one, and not any

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

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

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

one of four equal parts

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

cut with a saw

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

not in physical motion

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

bend one's back forward from the waist on down

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

defying recognition as e.g. because of damage or alteration

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

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

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Hurry, get us out of here into the sun.

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

From this reading The ice-cutters, for it were they, had never before in their lives been surprised.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

in or at the place that

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said:

which person or people

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading They saw coming out of that inky blackness, from far up that windy quarter, where none of their people had ever dared to go, a party of half-clad human beings, who staggered on as if intoxicated and, at last, falling at their feet.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They hurriedly gathered about the fallen fugitives and throwing restoratives in their faces, tried to make out who they were and if they were any of their people, but these had been rolled about the floor of the windy cavern so long, that what with bruises and dirt, they were unrecognizable.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Onrai, who still had enough life left to whisper a few words, motioned for one of the men to stoop; the man did so and started back with still greater surprise, as Onrai said: