Chapter XXXIII · Chapter 33

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

expressing offensive reproach

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

(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 In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

-ing form of “amount” — be tantamount or equivalent to

From this reading Yet the battle itself was not amounting to much.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

someone who offers opposition

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

eagerly desirous

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading Yet the battle itself was not amounting to much.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

the two together, not just one

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

(sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

an engagement fought between two military forces

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

divisible by two

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

plural of “exclamation” — an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

plural of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

lacking solidity or strength

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

the act of departing

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

plural of “grunt” — the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

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

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

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

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Yet the battle itself was not amounting to much.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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 In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

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

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

the force of workers available

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

cleaning with a mop

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Yet the battle itself was not amounting to much.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

not any; not one

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

past form of “penetrate” — pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

the act of defending yourself

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

walking with a slow dragging motion without lifting your feet

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

express in speech

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

restricted to something

From this reading In fact, to speak strictly, no fight was going on at all.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

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

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

male cat

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

something that remunerates

From this reading In the first place, the hall was narrow, and gave small scope for a contest on broad, generous lines--even had One-Eye and Big Tom known how to wage such a bout; and both men knew little concerning the science of self-defense.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

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

From this reading ONE-EYE FIGHTS THOSE sounds of combat which penetrated to an anxious kitchen were deep, rasping breathings, muttered exclamations and grunts, a shuffling of feet that was not unlike a musicless dance, a swish-swishing, as if the Italian janitress were mopping up the hall floor, and a series of soft poundings.

during the time that

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading What happened--without any further abusive language--was this: the longshoreman and the cowboy (while using due caution against coming too close to the flimsy railing of the stairs) each set about throwing his antagonist.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet the battle itself was not amounting to much.