Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

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

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

plural of “berg” — a large mass of ice floating at sea; usually broken off of a polar glacier

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

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

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

treated so as to have a permanently wrinkled appearance

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

an erect penis

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

plural of “eskimo” — a member of a people inhabiting the Arctic (northern Canada or Greenland or Alaska or eastern Siberia); the Algonquians called them Eskimo (“eaters of raw flesh”) but they call themselves the Inuit (“the people”)

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

start firing a weapon

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

set up or found

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

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

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

a small natural hill

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

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 Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

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 Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

the common people generally

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

(baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

above and across; more than

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

-ing form of “overhang” — project over

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

works for an expert to learn a trade

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

only a very short time before

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

chosen in preference to another

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Besides, love is strong as death--and he meant to find Adolay or die!

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.

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

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

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

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter 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 When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

at the time that

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Being acquainted, by hearsay at least, with some of the methods of the Eskimos, he avoided the bergs, for there was the danger of masses falling from their sides and from overhanging ice-cliffs, and selected a small hummock--a heap of masses that had been thrown or crushed up earlier in the winter, covered with snow, and formed into a solid mound.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When night was well advanced the Indian found himself on the ice of the open sea with nothing but hummocks and bergs to shelter him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Nazinred had indeed some doubts as to the value of such a cold habitation without fire, but he knew that Eskimos sometimes used such, and what they could do he could dare.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading The light air that blew over the frozen plain was scarcely worth taking into account, nevertheless the Indian chose the lee side of the hummock and then began to try his "prentice hand" at the erection of a snow-hut.