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 THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

(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 And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

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

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

at or toward the back of something

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

not accessible to view

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

permission to do something

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

superlative of “dense” — permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

the act of escaping physically

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

apart from; not including

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

more than is needed, desired, or required

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

an external body part that projects from the body

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

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

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

immediately past

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

a particular point in time

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

possessive form of “professor” — someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

load anew

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

To recall to mind.

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

formality and propriety of manner

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

move hurridly

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

Identical; not different.

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

confined or restricted with or as if with a rope or chain

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

plural of “tree” — 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 RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

except if; if not

From this reading Two shots at a time, unless they attempt a rush, will, probably, be more effective, than if all fire at the same time."

up to a particular time

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

the act of using

From this reading And by all means don't use the reserve guns, except as a last extremity.

plural of “volley” — rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

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

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The moment you fire, retire out of sight, and reload, and we should try and fire in separate volleys.

which person or people

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE RUSE TO ESCAPE THEIR PURSUERS The wagon was now driven behind the densest chapparal of trees, unyoked, and tethered behind the wagon, and two of the boys took up a concealed position with a pair of extra guns, at each side.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Harry, who had, by common consent, assumed the command, now made the following observations as to their course: "Remember the Professor's instructions, to keep cool and not to fire until you are perfectly sure the shot will count.