Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

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

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

past form of “bolt” — move or jump suddenly

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

brought into existence

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

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

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

plural of “cowboy” — a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

United States rhythm and blues pianist and singer and composer (born in 1928)

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

a large number or amount

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

set up or found

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

a coil of rope or wool or yarn

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

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

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

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

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

for this reason

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

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

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

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

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

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

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

put a saddle on

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

and nothing more

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

give moral or emotional strength to

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

carry out

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

an inexperienced person (especially someone inexperienced in outdoor living)

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

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

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

in or at that place or location

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

a special situation

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

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

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading OLD HANK COOMBS BEARS A MESSAGE If there was one thing Bob could do well, it was to ride.

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

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

at the time that

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

in or at the place that

From this reading Born in Kentucky, where horses take a leading part in the education of most boys, Bob had always spent a good part of his time in the saddle.

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

From this reading Of course there were dozens of tricks which these daring riders of the plains could show the tenderfoot from the South; but when it came down to hard riding Bob was able to hold his own.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hence, when he came out here to the plains, the cowboys of the ranch found that, in his own way, he was well versed in managing the fine black horse he brought along with him.

the words that are spoken

From this reading When his powerful horse bolted in such a strange fashion Bob simply kept his seat, and tried to soothe Domino by soft words.