used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
canyonnounUS /ˈkænjən/
a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
rid of obstructions
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
recognizable; marked
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
one or the other of two
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
opinion or judgment
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
enclose with a fence
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
flapjacksnounUS /ˈflæpdʒæks/
plural of “flapjack” — a flat cake of thin batter fried on both sides on a griddle
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
flung-down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
frying-pan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
jadedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒeɪdəd/
exhausted
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
jarverbUS /dʒɑːr/
be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
immediately past
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
Laura
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
the production of eggs (especially in birds)
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
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 She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
the force of workers available
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
being perceived or observed
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
riddenverbUS /ˈrɪdən/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
slip-rails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
in the near future
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They did not belong to the settlement, for she had never seen either of them before, a fact which made it clear that they had not ridden in from the canyon.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
precisely as stated
From this reading She had quick eyes, and she noticed that, although they could not have ridden very far that morning, their horses appeared jaded, which suggested that they had made a long journey the previous day.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
Waynefleet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
at the time that
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Laying down the frying-pan in which she was making flapjacks, she moved toward the door, and stood watching two men ride across the clearing in the direction of the house.
which person or people
From this reading It was early in the morning, and since it was evident that, if the strangers who were approaching came from the settlement, they must have set out as soon as it was light, she decided that their business was probably urgent.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading THE LAST SHOT Laura Waynefleet was preparing breakfast, and the door of the ranch stood open, when she heard the sharp clatter of the flung-down slip-rails in the fence across the clearing jar upon the stillness of the surrounding woods.
