Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

someone who is a detective

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

one or the other of two

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

an old word for “before”

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

expose or make accessible to some action or influence

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

a small growth of trees without underbrush

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

plural of “hazard” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

possessive form of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

quality of coming late or later in time

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

the next day

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

comparative of “narrow” — not wide

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

go across or through

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

a course of conduct

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

to a proportionate degree

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

try to get or reach

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

term of address for a man

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

successive (without a break)

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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 His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot

From this reading His party had then formed to a narrower front, in order to pass between the trees, and the track was trod proportionately deeper in the snow.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading At this point Sir Daniel had turned a little to his left, and then plunged straight under a grove of very lofty timber.

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

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

precisely as stated

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading There were two courses open to Dick: either to continue to follow in the knight's trail, and, if he were able, to fall upon him that very night in camp, or to strike out a path of his own, and seek to place himself between Sir Daniel and his destination.

at the time that

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

which person or people

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

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

From this reading NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House; but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not hope to reach it ere the morrow.

but in spite of that

From this reading Either scheme was open to serious objection, and Dick, who feared to expose Joanna to the hazards of a fight, had not yet decided between them when he reached the borders of the wood.