Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

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

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

(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 THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

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

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

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

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

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

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

become of; happen to

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

past form of “brood” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

a person who is markedly small

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

to come or go into

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

apart from; not including

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

celebrated in fable or legend

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

compel to behave in a certain way

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

pretending to be another person

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

plural of “incarnation” — a new personification of a familiar idea

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

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

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

a unit of instruction

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

activity involved in maintaining something in good working order

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

the fur of an otter

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

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

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

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

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

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

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Things had befallen as she expected, as they must befall indeed, provided that Juanna did not forget her lesson or show fear, and that the dwarf did nothing foolish.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Therefore she sat apart and brooded, for, notwithstanding their present triumph, her heart foreboded evil.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

precisely as stated

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

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

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But Soa knew well enough that this was but the beginning of the struggle, and that, though it might be comparatively easy for Juanna and Otter to enter the city, and impose themselves upon its superstition-haunted people as the incarnations of their fabled gods, the maintenance of the imposture was a very different matter.

in or at the place that

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

which person or people

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

affected by or overcome with wonder

From this reading THE FOLLY OF OTTER Juanna and Otter gained the circle of rocks where the little band lay watching and wonder-struck; that is, all except Soa, who sat apart brooding, her arms clasped upon her breast.

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

From this reading Moreover, she knew, should they be discovered, that escape would be impossible, or at the best, that it must be most difficult.