Chapter IX

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

wait in hiding to attack

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

-ing form of “ambush” — wait in hiding to attack

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

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

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

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

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

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

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

completely unclothed

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

past form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

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

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

past form of “bay” — utter in deep prolonged tones

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

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

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

take exception to

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

at every point

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

prepare a hot meal

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

the first light of day

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

the act of playing drums

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

brought together in one place

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

the act of giving

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

plural of “grime” — the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

plural of “gunman” — a professional killer who uses a gun

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

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

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

plural of “hound” — any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

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

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

immediately past

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

having a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

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

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

the sport of engaging in contests of speed

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

move hurridly

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

inflected form of “scan” — examine minutely or intensely

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

derogatory terms for an American Indian woman

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

having only essential or minimal features

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

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

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

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

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

free from impediment or obstruction or hindrance

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading As the sun rose higher the oak door was thrown open, giving an unobstructed view of the plain; and at last the Bassetts stepped out into the open, for the hour for ambushing had passed.

in a wary manner

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

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

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

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 The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

at the time that

From this reading They gathered by the gate and bayed and barked continuously, racing far out across the open plain; and when at dawn the Bassetts looked out, the Basin was stripped bare of stock.

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

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AMBUSH The night was filled with the drumming of horses' feet and the rush and challenge of the hounds.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading The Bassetts peered out warily, using their glasses through the portholes as they scanned the neighboring hills for gunmen; then the old squaw ventured out, to bring in wood and water and cook their bread and coffee on the hearth.

cause to happen or to occur as a consequence

From this reading Not a cow or horse was left for Grimes to wreak his vengeance on if his sheep were shot up and scattered--the stage was cleared and set for the play, which promised to be a tragedy.