Chapter XL · Into the Depths

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

(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 Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

on or to one side

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

shining intensely

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

inflected form of “bob” — move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

reinforce with a buttress

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

expandable metal or wooden wedge used by printers to lock up a form within a chase

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

fall or come down violently

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

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

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

shining unsteadily

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

state of violent mental agitation

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

any creature of exceptional size

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

a strong current of air

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

plural of “gutter” — a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

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

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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 Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

wildly disordered

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

for an instant or moment

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

not any; not one

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

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

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

past form of “numb” — make numb or insensitive

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

and nothing more

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

catch up with and possibly overtake

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a person who is being chased

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

getting something back again

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

cut with a saw

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

-ing form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

possessing sweep

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

very great or intense

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading On I staggered, knowing only for my comfort that the pursued must needs labor against no less resistance than the pursuer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

plural of “tile” — a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

up to a particular time

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

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

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

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

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

a state of commotion and noise and confusion

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading Momentarily I saw--a black mote in that flickering violet transparency--the figure of Duke as he ran before me bobbing up and down like the shadow of the invisible man.

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

From this reading Drawn by a sure instinct, he was heading for the mill, and every nerve must I strain to overtake him, now goaded by fear and triumph to maniacal frenzy.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

at the time that

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But half the distance was covered when the rain swept down in one blinding sheet, that lashed the gutters into froth a foot high and numbed the soul with its terrific uproar.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Inch by inch I fought my way, taking advantage of every buttress and coign of shelter that presented itself; leaping aside with thump-heart from the crash of falling tiles or dropping swing of branches, as the wind flung them right and left in its passing; now stumbling and regaining my feet, shoulder to the storm, now driven back a pace by some gust--a giant among its fellows--inch by inch I drove on till the mill yard was reached; and all the way I gained never a foot upon him I strove to run down.