used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
the state of being absent
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
(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 Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
brethrennounUS /ˈbreðrən/
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
companion-in-arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
move gently or carefully
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
start firing a weapon
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
FrontiernounUS /frənˈtɪr/
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
gangnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
Jeems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
Jo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
and nothing more
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
staying power
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
in like or similar manner
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
lonesomeadjectiveUS /ˈloʊnsəm/
being the only one; single and isolated from others
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
as might be expected
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
on the contrary
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
shepherdnounUS /ˈʃepərd/
a clergyman who watches over a group of people
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
trailedverbUS /treɪld/
past form of “trail” — to lag or linger behind
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
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 All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
trustedadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstɪd/
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence
From this reading He likewise naturally trusted to Jeems' shepherd dog to give him warning.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A SURPRISE Let us now return to Jo to keep him company during the absence of his brethren and companion-in-arms.
a message informing of danger
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
look attentively
From this reading Still it would have been better if he had kept closer watch, for already the Frontier Boys had received warning that they were being trailed, and Jo should have seated himself in the door of the tent so that his back would have been protected, and he would have had the benefit of the fire just the same.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He sat down by the fire on a rock with his legs stretched out before him, for he was rather tired, and his hands clasped back of his head.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading All about him were the shadows of the trees, but he was perfectly at his ease, though it would have been lonesome enough if he had not known that the rest of the gang was near.
