Chapter XXII · The Fight on the Road

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

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

later than; following

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

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

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a stronghold that is reinforced for protection from enemy fire; with apertures for defensive fire

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

a partially opened flower

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

the act of departing

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

use or manipulate to one's advantage

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

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

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

an association of criminals

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a quick look

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

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

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

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

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

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

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

possessive form of “major” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines; below lieutenant colonel and above captain

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

a particular point in time

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

by chance

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

exploring in order to gain information

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

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

From this reading Not a moment had been lost after Roderick’s arrival at the Major’s.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

with speed

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

past form of “store” — keep or lay aside for future use

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

plural of “team” — a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

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

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

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

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

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

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

(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 The teams by that time would be at Walcott, or at least well on the way to their destination.

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

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

at the time that

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.

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

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading That night he had had a grim glimpse of what western lawlessness among the mountains might mean, and had speedily convinced the Major that his policy of instant departure was the wise one.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Bud Bledsoe and his gang would rest at least one day, perhaps two or three days, after their devilish exploit with the sheep-herders, and when they came reconnoitering around the blockhouse in which the ore was stored it would be to find the rich treasure gone.

but in spite of that

From this reading DAYLIGHT had not yet broken when the three four-horse wagons were loaded and ready for the road.