used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
anew
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
(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 It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
assemblagenounUS /əˈsemblədʒ/
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
Bledsoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
bulldogverbUS /ˈbʊldɔːɡ/
attack viciously and ferociously
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
Carr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
chapsnounUS /tʃæps/
plural of “chap” — a boy or man
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Curley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
denouementnounUS /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɑːn/
the outcome of a complex sequence of events
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
deputynounUS /ˈdepjəti/
someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
embarrassedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəst/
feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
facingnounUS /ˈfeɪsɪŋ/
a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
moving swiftly
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Footstoolnoun
a low seat or a stool to rest the feet of a seated person
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Fyffe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
goatskinnoun
the hide of a goat
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
the act of departing
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
grave-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
hornsnounUS /hɔːrnz/
plural of “horn” — a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
impassiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpæsɪv/
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
intentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈtentli/
with strained or eager attention
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
JacksonnounUS /ˈdʒæksən/
English film actress who later became a member of British Parliament (born in 1936)
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Jess
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
and nothing more
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
Lafe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
living-roomnoun
a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Mariel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
Markey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
not any; not one
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
OgdennounUS /ˈɑːɡdən/
English psychologist who collaborated with I. A. Richards in designing Basic English (1889-1957)
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
OtisnounUS /ˈoʊtɪs/
United States inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
outfitsnounUS /ˈaʊtfɪts/
plural of “outfit” — any cohesive unit such as a military company
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a light shade of red
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
pleadverbUS /pliːd/
appeal or request earnestly
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
by chance
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
ranchhouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
RangernounUS /ˈreɪndʒər/
a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
resplendentadjectiveUS /riˈsplendənt/
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
responsibleadjectiveUS /riˈspɑːnsəbəl/
worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
rustlingnounUS /ˈrʌslɪŋ/
the stealing of cattle
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
SamplenounUS /ˈsæmpəl/
a small part of something intended as representative of the whole
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
SethnounUS /seθ/
(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
SheriffnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
SlimadjectiveUS /slɪm/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
solemnlyadverbUS /ˈsɔːləmli/
in a grave and sedate manner
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
SpidernounUS /ˈspaɪdər/
predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
having a supporting base
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
SterlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrlɪŋ/
highest in quality
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
supervisornounUS /ˈsuːpərvaɪzər/
one who supervises or has charge and direction of
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
express in words
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
Tex
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
that's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
tomorrownounUS /təˈmɑːroʊ/
the day after today
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
unawareadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈwer/
(often followed by “of”) not aware
From this reading Otis, unaware of the dramatic setting arranged by Mariel for the denouement, had taken the bull by the horns and now was determined to bulldog him to a fall.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Otis was standing in the living-room of the Footstool ranchhouse, facing a silent and grave-faced assemblage of more than a score.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
what's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
whisperingnounUS /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/
a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
a Caucasian
From this reading It included Sterling Carr, stern and impassive; Sheriff Ogden, who thus far had made no move to place Otis under arrest again; his deputy, Seth Markey; Jess Bledsoe, resplendent in white goatskin chaps; the forest supervisor from Jackson; Margaret Carr and Mariel, whispering in one corner of the room; Simple Sample and Spider and Slim and Curley and Pink and Tex and possibly a dozen others from the Footstool, Flying A and other outfits, all solemnly curious, awkward and embarrassed.
which person or people
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
who's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “And what’s more,” he went on, gazing intently at the Sheriff, “I’m going to tell you, Lafe, just who’s responsible for the rustling that’s been going on here, and just how it was done.”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “And I tell you if I don’t prove to you who killed Ranger Fyffe, I’m ready to go in court tomorrow and plead guilty!”
