Chapter I · The Watchers of the Trail

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

a distinguishing emblem

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

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

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

weak from exhaustion

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

tastelessly showy

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

having dark hairs mixed with grey or white

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

someone who hunts game

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

above and across; more than

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

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

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

bedding made of two layers of cloth filled with stuffing and stitched together

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

covered with or consisting of rust

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.

-ing form of “slouch” — assume a drooping posture or carriage

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

a step in walking or running

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

filled with something

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

tending to suggest or imply

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

bound or secured closely

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

plural of “tin” — a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

a Greek disciple and helper of Saint Paul

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

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

From this reading The bundle was tied up in a soiled patchwork quilt of gaudy colours, and from time to time there came from it a flat clatter suggestive of tins.

of the highest quality

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

in an uneven and irregular way

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

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

From this reading His trousers were stuffed unevenly into the tops of his rusty boots; on his head was a drooping, much-battered hat of a felt that had been brown; from his belt hung a large knife in a fur-fringed leather sheath; and over his shoulder he carried an axe, from the head of which swung a large bundle.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Up the trail came slouching, with a strong but laborious stride, a large, grizzled man in grey home-spuns.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Had he been hunter or trapper, Dave Titus would have carried a gun.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading At one side protruded the black handle of a frying-pan, half wrapped up in newspaper.