Chapter XVII

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Seen any fresh signs about?"

later than; following

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Seen any fresh signs about?"

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

in a state of sleep

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

aroused or activated

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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 We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

a quad with a square body

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

set up or found

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading Seen any fresh signs about?"

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

(slang) offensive term for Native Americans

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

and nothing more

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

inflected form of “lie” — be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

absolutely essential

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

not any; not one

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

being perceived or observed

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

a detachable lock; has a hinged shackle that can be passed through the staple of a hasp or the links in a chain and then snapped shut

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

get by special effort

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Seen any fresh signs about?"

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Seen any fresh signs about?"

the state of being asleep

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

to go stealthily or furtively

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

a device for making soundings

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

resistant to change of position or condition

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

happening unexpectedly

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

male cat

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

a source of difficulty

From this reading "No," he answered, "but 'tain't much trouble an' it's always best to be on the safe side.

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

not firmly fastened or secured

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

not yet used or soiled

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

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

From this reading I smiled at what seemed to me a useless precaution and it passed from my mind; but along in the night, after we had been some hours asleep, I was suddenly awakened by a slight noise like the rattling of a chain.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

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

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

used to ask for information about something

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

at the time that

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

during the time that

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

in the company of; together with

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?

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

From this reading We've been used to having Found to do guard-duty of nights, an' it may have got us in a fashion of sleeping sounder than we would if we'd had to look out for ourselves; now, while the dog is away, with the stable door unlocked it would be easy enough for an Injun to sneak our horses out an' get away with 'em."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading TOM LOCKS THE STABLE DOOR This evening, just before dark, when we were bringing in the tools and making things secure for the night, I noticed that Tom had got out an old padlock that had long lain unused in the mess-chest, and then had found a piece of trace-chain, and with the two had securely locked the stable door--a precaution that we had never thought necessary before--and I asked him: "What are you doing that for, Tom?