Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

any thing at all

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

have

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

strong feelings of embarrassment

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

past form of “deepen” — make more intense, stronger, or more marked

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

in a grotesque manner

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

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

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

possessive form of “jack” — a small worthless amount

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

the probability of a specified outcome

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

a particular point in time

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

not any; not one

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

an event that happens

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

inflected form of “outwit” — beat through cleverness and wit

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

a mild rebuke or criticism

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

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

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

unusual or striking

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

a special situation

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

precisely as stated

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

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

From this reading A MESSAGE Jack's chagrin was deepened the more he reflected upon the singular occurrence.

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

From this reading There was not a phase of the artifice which was not a reproach to him.

which person or people

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Then the likelihood of his clambering up the inclined tree in the presence of a war party of Shawanoes and Miamis, who had laid it for that very purpose, was too grotesquely absurd to be thought of with patience.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Had the beast used the enclosure as a den or a retreat--a thing of itself incredible--the evidence of that fact would have been noticed the moment the boys climbed within.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.

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

From this reading Had he been outwitted by some skillfully-executed trick of the Indians, he would have accepted it as a mishap liable to overthrow the most experienced ranger of the woods; but he felt he ought to have known on the instant that no real bear would have attempted anything of the kind.