Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

occurring with or following as a consequence

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

a desirable state

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

showing who or what does the action

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

not carefully or expertly made

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

to an extreme degree

From this reading They were exceedingly primitive.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

cutlery used for serving and eating food

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

past form of “grasp” — hold firmly

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

highest in quality

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

where you live at a particular time

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

in a laborious manner

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

come into view indistinctly, often threateningly

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

engage in

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers; seeds of some used medicinally

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading They were exceedingly primitive.

with speed

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

plural of “serve” — (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

unusual or striking

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

plural of “strand” — a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

put down by force or intimidation

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly primitive.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is singular how quickly they grasped the idea of the loom, as a means to make a better article.

informal terms for clothing

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

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

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

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

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

precisely as stated

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS The occupation of the little houses by the families of the natives gave the boys the first close view of the people in their home lives.

make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

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

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

creating fabric

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.

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

From this reading They were exceedingly primitive.

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

From this reading The loom used by them was a very crude affair, and an idea may be gained of its form by the accompanying illustration, which shows the fork of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the ends of the warp threads (B).

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The leaf of the plantain tree was the greatest boon to these people, and the women were engaged most of the time in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously weaving cloth from the strands.