Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

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

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

(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 A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

plural of “critter” — a regional term for “creature” (especially for domestic animals)

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

difficult to describe

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

lacking solidity or strength

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

your parents

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

United States film maker (1896-1973)

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

cut or shaped with hard blows of a heavy cutting instrument like an ax or chisel

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

a factor whose effects cannot be accurately assessed

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

come together

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

no person; not anyone

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

moving very fast

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

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

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

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

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading An’ it hev got the name o’ bein’ toler’ble onlucky, too,” said Roxby.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

the topmost one of two

From this reading Across the narrow gorge the little foot-bridge stretched-a brace of logs, the upper surface hewn, and a slight hand-rail formed of a cedar pole.

the act of using

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

past form of “view” — deem to be

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

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

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Few folks kem this way nowadays, ‘thout it air jes’ ter ford the creek down along hyar a piece, sence harnts an’ sech onlikely critters hev been viewed a-crossin’ the foot-bredge.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “We ain’t likely ter meet nobody.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.

which person or people

From this reading A flimsy structure, one might think, looking down at the dark and rocky depths beneath, through which flowed the mountain stream, swift and strong, but it was doubtless substantial enough for all ordinary usage, and certainly sufficient for the imponderable and elusive travellers who by common report frequented it.