Chapter VIII · The History of a Day

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

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

plural of “alarm” — fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

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

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

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

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

plural of “climber” — a vine or climbing plant that readily grows up a support or over other plants

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

plural of “curse” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

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

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

capable of being changed

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

plural of “gap” — a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

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

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

indecision in speech or action

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

lacking practical experience or training

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

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

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

plural of “ledge” — a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

plural of “moccasin” — soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

not any; not one

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

a course of conduct

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

-ing form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

as a signal

From this reading Eirene’s ingenious idea had been signally mistaken.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

in the near future

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

the environmental condition

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

plural of “threat” — something that is a source of danger

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

precisely as stated

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

plural of “village” — a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Far from being an easy road, leading through villages, the path was a mere goat-track, plunging into the very heart of the mountains.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading To the active brigands, in their flexible moccasins, it presented no particular difficulty, but it was full of perils and alarms for inexperienced climbers wearing boots.

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

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.

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

From this reading This was evident almost as soon as the little clearing in which the cattle-shed stood had been left behind, and, indeed, it could never have been entertained if the prisoners had been able to see their way and the nature of their surroundings the night before.

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

From this reading At first, Zoe and Eirene shrank nervously from the gaps in the pathway, and the narrow ledges on which they were expected to creep round corners of rock; but the curses and threats which followed the slightest hesitation soon drove them on in blind terror.