used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
afloatadjectiveUS /əˈfloʊt/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
in the past
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
(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 While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
in addition
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
ASHESnounUS /ˈæʃ.ɪz/
The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
crookedadjectiveUS /ˈkrʊkəd/
having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
start firing a weapon
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
flatboatnounUS /ˈflætboʊt/
a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
FrenchmennounUS /ˈfrentʃmen/
plural of “frenchman” — a person of French nationality
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
frolicked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
hangsnounUS /hæŋz/
plural of “hang” — a special way of doing something
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
managingverbUS /ˈmænədʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
the force of workers available
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
MississippinounUS /ˌmɪsɪˈsɪpi/
a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
used to form the superlative
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
PatverbUS /pæt/
pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
cause to move by pulling
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading And he also says it is the finest place for our new home he knows about."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
spyingnounUS /ˈspaɪɪŋ/
keeping a secret or furtive watch
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
sweepverbUS /swiːp/
sweep across or over
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were afloat on the Mississippi, and had been descending the mighty stream most of the day.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
trappingnounUS /ˈtræpɪŋ/
stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse, especially (formerly) for a warhorse
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
at the time that
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
in or at the place that
From this reading WHAT THE DEAD ASHES OF A FIRE TOLD "PULL hard, Sandy; father wants to land at that spot where the big crooked tree hangs over the water.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Pat has told him that it was there he spent the night a year ago, when he was here spying out the land and learning what the Frenchmen were doing in the trapping line.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading While saying all this Bob was himself throwing his strength upon the sweep he and his younger brother were managing, while some of the men rested, or frolicked with their children inside the cabin of the flatboat.
