used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
air-shaft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
ariseverbUS /ərˈaɪz/
come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
biddingnounUS /ˈbɪdɪŋ/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
erectedverbUS /ɪˈrektəd/
past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
every person
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
firmly closed or secured
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Initiative and resource were a monopoly in his hands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
herdnounUS /hɜːrd/
a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
InitiativenounUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
readiness to embark on bold new ventures
From this reading Initiative and resource were a monopoly in his hands.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
and nothing more
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
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 A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
come together
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
monopolynounUS /məˈnɑːpəli/
(economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller
From this reading Initiative and resource were a monopoly in his hands.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
not any; not one
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
on one occasion
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
and nothing more
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
with speed
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
resourcenounUS /ˈriːsɔːrs/
available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading Initiative and resource were a monopoly in his hands.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
ropesnounUS /roʊps/
plural of “rope” — a strong line
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
SinclairnounUS /sɪnˈkler/
United States writer whose novels argued for social reform (1878-1968)
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
in the near future
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
swingverbUS /swɪŋ/
move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
in the direction of
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Initiative and resource were a monopoly in his hands.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
which person or people
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was the leader of the herd towards whom everyone looked ready for a new order to meet any new situation which might arise.
windlassnounUS /ˈwɪndləs/
lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A FIGHT WITH DEATH Robert Sinclair seemed to be the one man who knew what to do--at least, he seemed to be the only one who had a definite aim in view and as if by some natural instinct everyone was just ready to do his bidding.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He was silent, and worked to get ready to descend the old air-shaft, with grim set lips.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet there seemed to be no sense of bustle, only the work was done quickly and orderly, his orders being issued as much by signs as by speech, and soon a windlass was erected with ropes and swing chair fastened, into which he at once leaped, followed by another man.
