Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

later than; following

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

on or to one side

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

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

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

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

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

having something undesirable neutralized

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

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

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

an imperfection in a bodily system

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

a long narrow excavation in the earth

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

plural of “ditch” — a long narrow excavation in the earth

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

possessive form of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

obtain

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

destroyed or killed

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

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

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

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

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

supplying dry land with water by means of ditches etc

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

and nothing more

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

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

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

not any; not one

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

and nothing more

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

established beyond doubt

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

a member of any of about two dozen Native American peoples called “Pueblos” by the Spanish because they live in pueblos (villages built of adobe and rock)

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

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

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

the quantity a shovel can hold

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

past form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

full of trivial conversation

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

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

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading "I'll be a trouble-maker for Charlie and his dad if they continue their present policy," Lee vouchsafed, tossing aside a shovelful of earth.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

look attentively

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Only, she added, she was sorry to learn that he was having trouble with the people about; Mr. Menocal had stated such to be a fact, though what he had further hinted of Bryant's endeavour to gain property to which he had no title and of the engineer's being a trouble-maker, she did not for one instant believe.

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

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

during the time that

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.

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

From this reading While he was thus engaged, Imogene Martin, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, strolled out to watch his operations.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The defect in the ditch proved to be one of minor character, which Bryant corrected after a few observations and half an hour's work with a shovel.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading She was in a friendly and talkative mood, and asked questions concerning ditches and irrigation and surveying, and about Dave, and speculated on the ruins of the pueblo whither Ruth and Charlie Menocal had gone, and said she was glad Bryant had bought the ranch just north of their claims and would be their neighbour.