Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

at or in the front

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

(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 Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

mistake one thing for another

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

to come or go into

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

one who works hard at boring tasks

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

having or covered with hair

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

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

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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 From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

engage in

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

the common people generally

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

an interconnected system of things or people

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

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

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

go across or through

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

a course of conduct

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

plural of “path” — a course of conduct

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

having a point

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

an elf in fairy stories who sprinkles sand in children's eyes to make them sleepy

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

in the near future

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

in a confused mass

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

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

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.

comparative of “thick” — not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

plural of “trap” — a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

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 Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface

From this reading From these hung down great masses of trailing vines and spreading creepers like long, lean, hairy arms stretched out to bar their way.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

in or at the place that

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

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

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

during the time that

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Rudolf had to stop now and then to hack at these arms with his sword before he and Ann could pass through.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading ENTER THE KNIGHT-MARE At first it was easy enough for the children to follow the narrow winding path which the Sandman had pointed out, but soon they came to a part of the wood where the underbrush grew thicker and their path lost itself in a network of other little paths spread out as if on purpose to confuse them.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Rudolf and Ann hurried along as fast as they could go, but it was hard work to make their way through the tangled undergrowth where the twisted roots set traps for their feet--and caught them, too, sometimes--while overhead the tall trees met and mingled their branches.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading Worst of all--the thick growth of trees made the wood so dark that they could not see more than a few feet ahead of them.