used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
aidedadjectiveUS /ˈeɪdəd/
having help; often used as a combining form
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
alternatelyadverbUS /ˈɔːltərnətli/
in an alternating sequence or position
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
blacksmith's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
brace-irons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
CampbellnounUS /ˈkæmbəl/
United States mythologist (1904-1987)
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
carpenter-shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
cross-rods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
douradjectiveUS /ˈdaʊər/
stubbornly unyielding
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
earnedadjectiveUS /ɜːrnd/
gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
freezingnounUS /ˈfriːzɪŋ/
the withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
haulverbUS /hɔːl/
draw slowly or heavily
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
helpernounUS /ˈhelpər/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
ice-roads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
initiationnounUS /ˌɪnɪʃiˈeɪʃən/
a formal entry into an organization or position or office
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/
the act of beginning something new
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
literallyadverbUS /ˈlɪtərəli/
in a literal sense
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
logsnounUS /lɔːɡz/
plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
manualnounUS /ˈmænjuːəl/
a small handbook
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
mountain-high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
rollways
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
runnersnounUS /ˈrʌnərz/
plural of “runner” — someone who imports or exports without paying duties
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
ScotnounUS /skɑːt/
a native or inhabitant of Scotland
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
sleighs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
sprinkledverbUS /ˈsprɪŋkəld/
past form of “sprinkle” — distribute loosely
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
sweatnounUS /swet/
salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
thawingnounUS /ˈθɔːɪŋ/
the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
Toppy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At daylight next morning began Toppy’s initiation as a blacksmith’s helper.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
past form of “warn” — notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
wood-butcher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading Two dozen huge wooden sleighs had come from the “wood-butcher”—the camp carpenter-shop—to be fitted with cross-rods, brace-irons and runners.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Out in the woods the ice-roads, carefully sprinkled each night, were alternately freezing and thawing, gradually approaching the solid condition which would mean a sudden call for sleighs to haul the logs, which lay mountain-high at the rollways, down to the river.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The dour old Scot took it as his religious duty to give his helper a severe introduction to the world of manual labour, and circumstances aided him in his aim.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For the next four days he literally earned his bread in the sweat of his brow, as Campbell had warned him he would.
