Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

put in effect

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

(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 All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

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

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

fully understood or grasped

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

next to; at the side of

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

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

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

having lost your job

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

the act of departing

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

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

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

not admitting of penetration or passage into or through

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

go away from a place

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

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

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

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

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

not any; not one

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

and nothing more

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

above and across; more than

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

-ing form of “ping” — hit with a pinging noise

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

with speed

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

manifest or bring back

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

occurring or operating at the same time

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

with speed

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

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

From this reading Now, as night descended over the prairie, and the retreat of his friends became shrouded in impenetrable darkness, he fully appreciated the fact that not only were they in great danger, but so was he himself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He could but reflect, as the man glided slowly along, that if he had the three friends beside him, how easily they could glide away in the darkness and leave all danger behind.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

by bad luck

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

up to a particular time

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

precisely as stated

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

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

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

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

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

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

From this reading All the time he kept looking back, but could see nothing of his enemies, nor could he detect the point from which the rifle-shots were fired.

which person or people

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

in the company of; together with

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading The heathenish terror with which the steam man had at first inspired the savages had rapidly worn away, the circumstances unfortunately having been such that they had very speedily learned that it was nothing more than a human invention, which of itself could accomplish little or no harm.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading SIMULTANEOUS with the report of the rifles came the pinging of the bullets about the ears of young Brainerd, who, having started the steam man, kept on going until he was a considerable distance from the ravine.