Chapter II

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

any specific behavior

From this reading Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

later than; following

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

anew

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

(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 Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

a device that controls amount of light admitted

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

plural of “appetite” — a feeling of craving something

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

out of bed

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

only a very short time before

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

plural of “berry” — any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

(of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

object formed by a mold

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

a steep high face of rock

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

the first light of day

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

without deviation

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

-ing form of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

capable of being perceived as different or distinct

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

a checkerboard game for two players who each have 12 pieces; the object is to jump over and so capture the opponent's pieces

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

representing or accommodating the entire length

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

past form of “fumble” — feel about uncertainly or blindly

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

having no hair or fur

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

the activity of transporting goods by truck

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

a social unit living together

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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 Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

the force of workers available

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

on one occasion

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

fraught with danger

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

done with very great haste and without due deliberation

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinum

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a large number or amount

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

in a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

past form of “suck” — draw into the mouth by creating a practical vacuum in the mouth

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

-ing form of “thirst” — feel the need to drink

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

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

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

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

From this reading Reaching the bank, they flung themselves down at full-length and sucked in long draughts after the manner of thirsting beasts; following this they fumbled about among the brush for roots and berries, and at length, having satisfied their appetites, pulled themselves once more up the precipitous stairway of the cliff.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

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

From this reading Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

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

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

at the time that

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

which person or people

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

become broader or wider or more extensive

From this reading _Ru the Sparrow-Hearted_ The first gray of dawn had barely begun to widen above the eastern ridges when the people of Umbaddu were once more astir.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Meanwhile, within the cavern, all was activity and life.

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

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

possessive form of “yesterday” — the day immediately before today

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.

but in spite of that

From this reading Great brawny hands applied themselves again to the boulder at the cavern entrance; and, through an aperture barely large enough to admit a man, the inhabitants emerged one by one, each armed with a club, yet each making his way with apparent ease down the perilous slopes to the river.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading Several of the younger men were strenuously hauling in great dead logs through a rear entrance, which gave directly upon the forest; several half-grown lads were disposing of the refuse of yesterday's meals by the simple process of casting it outside the cave door; and scores of the women--who were clad precisely like the men, and were most easily distinguishable by their smaller stature and relatively hairless faces--were absorbed in what might be termed the household pursuits of the time.