Chapter XV · An Episode in the Hills

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

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

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

that which is below standard or expectations as of ethics or decency

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

a document listing the alternatives that is used in voting

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

an agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

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

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

a politician who is running for public office

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

characterized by extreme care and great effort

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

divisible by two

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

at any time

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

promote over another

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

an authorization to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

past form of “handcuff” — confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

plural of “ideal” — the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

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

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

lying or leaning on something else

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

incapable of being overcome or subdued

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

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

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

a member of the North American Indian people formerly living in the Colorado river valley in Arizona and Nevada and California

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

on one occasion

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

moving to a position on a surface

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

inflected form of “outwit” — beat through cleverness and wit

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

an unintentional omission resulting from failure to notice something

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

the place where people vote

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

third-person singular of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

not often

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

the principal law-enforcement officer in a county

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

required or under orders

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

bound by or as if by an oath

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

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

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

(used of persons or the military) not having or using arms

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

without forethought or plan; inadvertently

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

not tried or tested by experience

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

precisely as stated

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

plural of “voter” — a citizen who has a legal right to vote

From this reading Somehow, it is difficult for the voters to believe that a really efficient official may be caught unawares and outwitted by a criminal, particularly if that criminal is unarmed and handcuffed into the bargain.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.

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

From this reading It seldom happens that a sheriff, or any peace officer for that matter, ever regains the confidence of the public, much less his popularity, once he loses a prisoner of such supposed badness as was Billy Gee.

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

From this reading The voters of San Buenaventura County, California, were of another sort, however.

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

From this reading So the conscientious wielder of the franchise goes to the polls, and on the strength of his theory that a sworn servant of the people should be invincible and superior to mistake and oversight, very gravely ousts the incumbent candidate in favor of the untried timber on the ballot.

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

From this reading Sheriff Bob Warburton had proved up to their ideals for two terms—even if he hadn’t been able to hold onto the will-o’-the-wisp bandit of the Mohave.