Chapter II

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

make certain of

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

the two together, not just one

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

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

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading “Indeed?” replied the Yellow Dog.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Indeed?” replied the Yellow Dog.

express in words

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

express in speech

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Like all persons that really have something to say, I need to be drawn out.”

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

except if; if not

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

precisely as stated

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

(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 “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

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

From this reading “Well, I assure you I am an excellent talker, if you start me off on subjects in which I am interested.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading “Why, Colonel!” she cried; “I didn’t know you could talk.”

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

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading “Indeed?” replied the Yellow Dog.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading ON THE WAY TO BEAVERTOWN If a dog were to speak to you, Little One, in “really talk,” I dare say you would jump a foot--unless you happened to be sitting on a fallen tree at the time; then, very likely, you would do as Buddie did, jump to both feet.