used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
BILLY'SnounUS /ˈbɪliz/
possessive form of “billy” — a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a small house with a single story
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
detectedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtektəd/
perceived or discerned
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He left that tent, but who is he and what does he want?"
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
come to pass
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
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 He left that tent, but who is he and what does he want?"
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
in motion
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
NOCTURNALadjectiveUS /nɑːkˈtɜːrnəl/
belonging to or active during the night
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
held or filled or in use
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a human being
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
precautionsnounUS /priˈkɔːʃənz/
plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
in the near future
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
with speed
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
in a swift manner
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading The silent figure, moving rapidly forward, presently left the line of tents, and made for the cottage occupied by the doctor.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He left that tent, but who is he and what does he want?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
thiefnounUS /θiːf/
a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
except if; if not
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
precisely as stated
From this reading Unless the person he was following should happen to look around, there was very little danger of his being seen, but he took all the precautions he could to avoid being detected.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading He left that tent, but who is he and what does he want?"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He left that tent, but who is he and what does he want?"
which person or people
From this reading "It is not a thief," he said to himself, "and it isn't any one who has designs on one of the boats.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading BILLY'S NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE It was dark in the camp, but Billy, as he stole out of the tent, could distinguish a dark form moving swiftly down the camp street, and followed without making any noise, taking care to keep as much as possible in the shadow.
