Chapter XI

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

(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 They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

in addition

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

from appearances alone

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

a ghostly appearing figure

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

with attention; in an attentive manner

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

the state of being honored

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

heighten or intensify

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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 They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

a large heavy knife used in Central and South America as a weapon or for cutting vegetation

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

engage in

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

the force of workers available

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

plural of “newcomer” — any new participant in some activity

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.

on one occasion

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

and nothing more

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

above and across; more than

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading THE PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

plural of “prairie” — a treeless grassy plain

From this reading THE PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.

keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

plural of “ranger” — a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

plural of “redskin” — (slang) offensive term for Native Americans

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

someone who buys something and resells it at a price far above the initial cost

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

-ing form of “scalp” — sell illegally, as on the black market

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

An ancient Greek and Roman philosophy holding that virtue is the only true good, and that emotional self-control leads to inner serenity.

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

confined on all sides

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

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

From this reading THE PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

cut with a tomahawk

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

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

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading These men, mostly clad in the trapper's hunting shirt and fox skin cap, had a vigorous appearance, and a ferocious look, not at all adapted to inspire confidence; moreover, they were armed to the teeth, not only having the rifle and machete, but also the scalping knife and tomahawk employed by the Indians.

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

From this reading He did not alter the careless attitude he was in, and though he appeared to look at the newcomers absently, he, however, examined them attentively.

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

From this reading They were at least twenty in number, for they had risen from all sides at once, and in a twinkling surrounded the travellers.

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

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

a Caucasian

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading The White Scalper gave an imperceptible start at the unexpected apparition of the strangers; but he had sufficient power over himself apparently to preserve that coolness and stoicism which the Redskins and wood rangers make a point of honour.