used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
Benson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
BlakenounUS /bleɪk/
visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
cordwoodnoun
firewood cut and stacked in cords; wood sold by the cord
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
factorynounUS /ˈfæktəri/
a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
fresheningverbUS /ˈfreʃənɪŋ/
-ing form of “freshen” — make (to feel) fresh
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
half-breeds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
haulingnounUS /ˈhɔːlɪŋ/
the activity of transporting goods by truck
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
HudsonnounUS /ˈhʌdsən/
a New York river; flows southward into New York Bay; explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
hurledverbUS /hɜːrld/
past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
narrowlyadverbUS /ˈneroʊli/
in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
neighboringadjectiveUS /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/
having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
not one, and not any
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/
a shaky motion
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
red-hotadjective
having strong sexual appeal
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
RobertsonnounUS /ˈrɑːbərtsən/
United States basketball guard (born in 1938)
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading None of the half-breeds could reach the factory, and Robertson confessed to some anxiety about them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There was little that could be done, and they spent the dreary days lounging about the red-hot stove, and listening to the roar of the gale.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading In the long evenings, Robertson told them grim stories of the North.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
in or at the place that
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
which person or people
From this reading It was dangerous to venture as far as a neighboring bluff, where fuel had been cut; Benson and the agent, who were hauling cordwood home, narrowly escaped from death one evening in the suddenly freshening storm.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading THE BACK TRAIL Blake and his friends spent three weeks at the Hudson Bay post, and throughout the first fortnight an icy wind hurled the snow against the quivering building.
