Chapter XXVI · Prisoners of ‘Bully’ Broom

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

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

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

exhale hard

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

a cruel and brutal fellow

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

with great urgency

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

plural of “gag” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

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

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

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

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

march in a procession

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

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

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

not one, and not any

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

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

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

and nothing more

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

past form of “resist” — elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

tangled in knots or snarls

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

in the near future

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

plural of “struggle” — an energetic attempt to achieve something

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

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

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

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

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

push forcefully

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

bound or secured closely

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

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

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

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

From this reading Soon both he and the millionaire had their hands tied behind their backs and gags of dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into their mouths.

in or at the place that

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

belonging to which person

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, and in return for his struggles received only a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain quiet.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Jack wondered where they were being taken and why they had been attacked.

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

From this reading As it would have been folly to have resisted, situated as they were, the two prisoners did as they were told.

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

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading “Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s strong fist had given him.