Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

any thing at all

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

being joined in close association

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

-ing form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

for the reason that

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

greatly pleased

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

an opposing military force

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

extremely pleasing

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

usually; as a rule

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

go away from a place

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

not any; not one

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

and nothing more

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

third-person singular of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

plural of “press” — the state of demanding notice or attention

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

third-person singular of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

narrate or give a detailed account of

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

in an impolite manner

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

of the highest quality

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

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 But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

precisely as stated

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

at the time that

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

an exploratory oil well drilled in land not known to be an oil field

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.