Chapter X · Squelched by an Ostrich

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

later than; following

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

anew

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

possessive form of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But he was unable to see any sign of his comrade.

electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

away from the right path or direction

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

showing careful forethought

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

force somebody to do something

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading But he was unable to see any sign of his comrade.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

past form of “deflect” — prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

plural of “dune” — a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

render capable or able for some task

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

the act of departing

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

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

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

plural of “halt” — the state of inactivity following an interruption

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

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

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

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

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

rest one's weight on one's knees

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

the act of departing

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

engage in

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a particular point in time

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand)

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

above and across; more than

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

-ing form of “retain” — hold back within

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

a strong line

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

cut with a saw

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But he was unable to see any sign of his comrade.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading But he was unable to see any sign of his comrade.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

required or under orders

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

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

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When a half hour had elapsed, he rose into sight as agreed and a moment later saw, through his glasses, Ali making for the ostrich herd.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

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

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

the upper part of anything

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading But he was unable to see any sign of his comrade.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading Unlike Bob, Jack after leaving Ali took cautious observations from time to time to enable him to keep the ostrich herd in sight.

migratory

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

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

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

at the time that

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

in or at the place that

From this reading Then he swung his glasses again over the horizon in the direction where Bob was supposed to have taken post.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.

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

From this reading He realized the possibility of being deflected from his course in passing behind the sand dunes, but by frequent halts when he would compel his camel to kneel and, retaining the long led rope so as to prevent the animal’s wandering, climb to the top of a sand dune, and lying there, swing his glasses on the distant birds, he managed to make a wide arc about the herd without going astray.