used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
circusnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
defendverbUS /dɪˈfend/
argue or speak in defense of
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
DISMAYnounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
howlverbUS /haʊl/
emit long loud cries
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
imitatingverbUS /ˈɪməteɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “imitate” — reproduce someone's behavior or looks
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
a particular point in time
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
as might be expected
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
not any; not one
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
and nothing more
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
perchnounUS /pɜːrtʃ/
support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
with speed
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading "If I only had my gun with me," he reflected in his dismay, "I might be able to defend myself."
reproducedverbUS /ˌriːprəˈduːst/
past form of “reproduce” — make a copy or equivalent of
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
move hurridly
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
the season of growth
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
TARBOX
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DISMAY AT THE HOME OF TARBOX.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
tigernounUS /ˈtaɪɡər/
a fierce or audacious person
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Robert quickly understood that Tarbox was the victim of a practical joke, and did his best to help it along.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading He had amused himself during his connection with the circus in imitating the cries of wild beasts, and now from his perch in the tree reproduced the howl of a wolf so naturally that Tarbox, hearing it, and knowing no better, thought it proceeded from the throat of the tiger.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Of course he increased his speed, expecting every moment that the dangerous animal would spring upon him and tear him to pieces.
