used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
assistverbUS /əˈsɪst/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
confined by bonds
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
BURGLARnounUS /ˈbɝː.ɡlɚ/
A person who commits illegal entry into a building with intent to steal valuable treasures.
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
coilsnounUS /kɔɪlz/
plural of “coil” — a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
a state at a particular time
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
contortionsnounUS /kənˈtɔːrʃənz/
plural of “contortion” — the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
faredverbUS /ferd/
past form of “fare” — proceed or get along
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
fettersnounUS /ˈfetərz/
plural of “fetter” — a shackle for the ankles or feet
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
gaspingverbUS /ˈɡæspɪŋ/
-ing form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
the act of departing
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
provoking horror
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
Hurley's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
a particular point in time
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
not in physical motion
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
not one, and not any
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
oathsnounUS /oʊðz/
plural of “oath” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
Pete
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
powerfullyadverbUS /ˈpaʊərfli/
in a powerful manner
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
compacted by ironing
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
resistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
rivetedverbUS /ˈrɪvətɪd/
past form of “rivet” — direct one's attention on something
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
ruffiannoun
a cruel and brutal fellow
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
Identical; not different.
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
SNAKEnounUS /sneɪk/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
not in physical motion
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
stroveverbUS /stroʊv/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
tightenverbUS /ˈtaɪtən/
make tight or tighter
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
in the direction of
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
communicated in words
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
precisely as stated
From this reading The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as though his very life was being pressed out.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Three coils were around him, and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
which person or people
From this reading The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he fared.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were like steel.
