Chapter XXIV · 318-330

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

the wood from bushes or small branches

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

go after with the intent to catch

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

past form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

people who are defeated

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

cause to move by pulling

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

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

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

deeply involved especially in something complicated

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

apart from; not including

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

extend in scope or range or area

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

the organ of sight

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

in a languid and lethargic manner

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

hate coupled with disgust

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

and nothing more

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

not any; not one

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

many times at short intervals

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a small lake

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

plural of “potato” — an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

Identical; not different.

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

cut with a saw

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

transport in a sleigh

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

not in physical motion

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

in regular succession without gaps

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

in a swift manner

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

a physiological need to drink

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

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

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

having no tracks

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

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

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

lacking variety

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading They saw no animals, except two or three emus, which swiftly fled from pursuit; and they were too eager to escape from the dry desert to waste time in the chase.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading For two days, successive morning suns showed them the same trackless and unwatered heaths spread before them; then the water was exhausted, and they turned away with loathing from the dry bread and potatoes.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading Slowly and languidly they dragged on their weary way, still watching and hoping in vain.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

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

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading The Dry Wilderness.--Despair.--The Coming-down of the Waters.--The Discomfited Savages.--Hunger and Thirst.--The Footsteps in the Mud.--A Pond.--The Talegalla and its Nest.--The Valley of Promise.--The River to the South.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was indeed on a wilderness they now entered, where low entangled brushwood spread as far as the eye could extend, unvaried by the appearance of a single tree rising above it; and as they toiled through or over this perplexing ground, carrying the bark sledge, which it was impossible to draw over the bush, they were often deceived by the sight of a line of tall reeds, the border of the bed of some river, now wholly dry, or merely muddy with the rain of the previous day.