Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

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

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

someone who flies a balloon

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

reveal unintentionally

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

terminate

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

an occurrence of something

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

divisible by two

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

planned and made or fashioned artistically

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

start firing a weapon

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

physically weak

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

a quick look

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

the act of grasping

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

having a heading or course in a certain direction

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

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

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

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

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

tied with a knot

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

immediately past

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

any art that invokes supernatural powers

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

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

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

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

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

weighing heavily on the senses or spirit

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

above and across; more than

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

in the near future

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

a strong line

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

the state of being asleep

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, it might betray them at the last and break, but Frank believed the sheets to be of good material and nearly new.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He had not time to even test the frail rope, but fastened it around the sleeping balloonist, under his arms.

up to a particular time

From this reading Each tore and knotted until as if by magic a long rope was fashioned.

a healthy capacity for vigorous activity

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

at the time that

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading "Now help me lift him over the window-sill," he cried.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

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

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.

arrange or fold as a cover or protection

From this reading HEADED SOUTH They did work with a vim, for the smoke was getting more oppressive with each passing second; and from the glimpse they had taken of the stairway it was plain to the boys that presently the fire would wrap the whole south end of the building in its grip, when their case would indeed be desperate.