aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
apprehensionsnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃənz/
plural of “apprehension” — fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading Volume Three, Chapter XXXIV.
consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
Cubina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
estimatedverbUS /ˈestəmeɪtəd/
past form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
half-a-dozen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
incendiaries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
and nothing more
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
in motion
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
outlinesnounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnz/
plural of “outline” — the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
projectedadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektəd/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
Quashie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
regardlessadverbUS /rəˈɡɑːrdləs/
in spite of everything; without regard to drawbacks
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
determined
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
roughlyadverbUS /ˈrʌfli/
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
having a supporting base
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Volume Three, Chapter XXXIV.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
in the direction of
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
vengeancenounUS /ˈvendʒəns/
the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading Volume Three, Chapter XXXIV.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
in or at the place that
From this reading As they did so, they perceived several dark forms moving between them and the bright background of the flames; their shadows projected in gigantic outlines up to the spot where the spectators stood.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There were about half-a-dozen in all--just about the number at which Quashie had roughly estimated the incendiaries.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
which person or people
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Herbert and Cubina, who, while in conversation with Quashie, had been standing with their backs towards the fire, faced suddenly round.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading Both sprang forward, regardless of consequences, resolved upon knowing the worst; and, if their apprehensions should prove true, determined upon death or vengeance.
XXXIVadjective
being four more than thirty
From this reading Volume Three, Chapter XXXIV.
