used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
(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 Nor was this all they had to fear.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
arrownounUS /ˈæroʊ/
a mark to indicate a direction or relation
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
beamyadjective
broad in the beam
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
borderedadjectiveUS /ˈbɔːrdərd/
having a border especially of a specified kind; sometimes used as a combining term
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Their caution did not decrease, however.
concealingnounUS /kənˈsiːlɪŋ/
the activity of keeping something secret
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
decreaseverbUS /dɪˈkriːs/
decrease in size, extent, or range
From this reading Their caution did not decrease, however.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Their caution did not decrease, however.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
divisible by two
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading Nor was this all they had to fear.
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
flatboatnounUS /ˈflætboʊt/
a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
foesnounUS /foʊz/
plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Their caution did not decrease, however.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
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 AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
lurkverbUS /lɜːrk/
lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
marshyadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrʃi/
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
not any; not one
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Nor was this all they had to fear.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Their caution did not decrease, however.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
and nothing more
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
postsnounUS /poʊsts/
plural of “post” — the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
reedsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
move stealthily
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
supplyingnounUS /səˈplaɪɪŋ/
the activity of supplying or providing something
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
moving very fast
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Nor was this all they had to fear.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
tradersnounUS /ˈtreɪdərz/
plural of “trader” — someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
treacherousadjectiveUS /ˈtretʃərəs/
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
tribesnounUS /traɪbz/
plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
unscrupulousadjectiveUS /ənˈskruːpjələs/
without scruples or principles
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
voyagersnounUS /ˈvɔɪɪdʒərz/
plural of “voyager” — a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
wavingnounUS /ˈweɪvɪŋ/
the act of signaling by a movement of the hand
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading AT THE SETTING OF THE EVENING STAR THE daring voyagers on the beamy flatboat knew that no matter how their adventure might turn out in the end, whether for good or evil, at least they were now on the home stretch.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They realized that enemies might lurk in the trees that bordered the river, and even amid the beds of waving green reeds in marshy places, which were capable of concealing treacherous foes, ready to let slip the swift arrow, or discharge the French guns with which the unscrupulous traders at the numerous posts were supplying the various tribes.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was only a question of a few days before they would be able to feast their eager eyes on that great stream of which they had heard so much.
