Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a large-scale farming enterprise

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

a friendly nation

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

blowing in violent and abrupt bursts

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

past form of “clamp” — fasten or fix with a clamp

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

large and roomy (“convenient” is archaic in this sense)

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

gotten under control

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

plural of “file” — a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

promote the growth of

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

saw used with one hand for cutting metal

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

fasten with a lock

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

on one occasion

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

fitted or decorated with panels or wainscoting

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

plural of “rack” — framework for holding objects

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

the capital and largest city of Myanmar; located in the south near the Irrawaddy river delta

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

acceptance of despair

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

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

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

having a supporting base

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

firm and dependable especially in loyalty

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

the removal of covering

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation

From this reading Foster laid down his tools and looked up with an air of humorous resignation as his wife came in.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

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

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

a holding device attached to a workbench; has two jaws to hold workpiece firmly in place

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

at the time that

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

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

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He had once had a commodious gun-room, but had given it up, under pressure from his wife, as Hazlehurst was small and she had numerous guests, but the study was his private retreat.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading A STAUNCH ALLY On a dark November morning, when a blustering wind drove the rain against the windows, Thomas Foster sat stripping the lock of a favorite gun in the room he called his study, at Hazlehurst, in Shropshire.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading A hacksaw, a few files, a wire brush, and a bottle of Rangoon oil were spread out in front of him, the latter standing, for the sake of cleanliness, on the cover of the _Field_.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading The shelves on the handsome paneled walls contained a few works on agriculture, horse-breeding, and British natural history, but two racks were filled with guns and fishing-rods and the table at which Foster was seated had a vise clamped to its edge.