used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
advisableadjectiveUS /ədˈvaɪzəbəl/
worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
AfghannounUS /ˈæfɡæn/
a blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares; sometimes used as a shawl
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
appliancesnounUS /əˈplaɪənsəz/
plural of “appliance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading The question of transport was speedily arranged.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
have
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
belongingnounUS /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋ/
happiness felt in a secure relationship
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
camelsnounUS /ˈkæməlz/
plural of “camel” — cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
Dave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
EmunounUS /ˈiːmjuː/
any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
hided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
IntoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
leatheryadjectiveUS /ˈleðəri/
resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
Mackay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
Mackay's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
engage in
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
miningnounUS /ˈmaɪnɪŋ/
the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
absolutely essential
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
held or filled or in use
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The question of transport was speedily arranged.
on one occasion
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
opportunelyadverb
at an opportune time
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
policynounUS /ˈpɑːləsi/
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
quartetnounUS /kwɔːrˈtet/
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading The question of transport was speedily arranged.
RemorsenounUS /rɪˈmɔːrs/
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
RepentancenounUS /rɪˈpentəns/
remorse for your past conduct
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
requisitionnounUS /ˌrekwəˈzɪʃən/
the act of requiring; an authoritative request or demand, especially by a military or public authority that takes something over (usually temporarily) for military or public use
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
respectivelyadverbUS /rɪˈspektɪvli/
in the order given
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
settlingnounUS /ˈsetəlɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading The question of transport was speedily arranged.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
storesnounUS /stɔːrz/
plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
sundryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
teamnounUS /tiːm/
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
tradernounUS /ˈtreɪdər/
someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
transportnounUS /trænˈspɔːrt/
something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading The question of transport was speedily arranged.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
undulyadverbUS /ənˈduːli/
to an undue degree
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
not known
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
water-bags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
which person or people
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading Into the Unknown A full week was occupied in settling up affairs and making final preparations for the journey across the wilderness.
wiryadjectiveUS /ˈwɪri/
lean and sinewy
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Mackay's wiry "Misery" was selected at once as the leader of the team, and two other great leathery hided creatures belonging to Emu Bill and Never Never Dave, named respectively "Repentance" and "Remorse," were called into requisition as being well fitted for the stern work before them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Three camels were necessary to carry stores and sundry mining appliances, and a fourth would be advisable to bear the heavy water-bags of the expedition, as it was not wise policy to burden the animals unduly.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A strong young beast was secured by Mackay from an Afghan trader who called around opportunely, to make up the quartet.
