Chapter IV

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

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

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

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

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

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

for the reason that

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

a youthful male person

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

ruin completely

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

plural of “commissioner” — a government administrator

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

restricting the scope or freedom of action

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

marked by extreme anger

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

transport by boat or aircraft

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

the act of departing

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading HOBSON'S HOUSE.

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

From this reading HOBSON'S HOUSE.

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

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

information about recent and important events

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

and nothing more

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

the entire amount of income before any deductions are made

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

in a vehement outcry

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

possessive form of “so” — the syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

not in physical motion

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

plural of “surveyor” — an engineer who determines the boundaries and elevations of land or structures

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

carry out

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

express in words

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

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

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

in or at that place or location

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

give a thrashing to; beat hard

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.

not welcome; not giving pleasure or received with pleasure

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

precisely as stated

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

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

From this reading He did not like the "ferrying business," for it was very confining, and, besides, there wasn't money enough in it to suit him; but still it enabled him to eke out his slender income, and the mere hint that the authorities were about to take away this source of revenue by building a bridge across the river at that point surprised and enraged him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "The road commissioners has come up here with some surveyors and a jury, and they're going to build a bridge across the river so's to bust up the ferrying business."

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

From this reading Silas would have been glad to thrash the boy for bringing him so unwelcome news as this, and the only reason he did not attempt it was because he knew he could not catch him.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "And that ain't all I've got to tell you, neither," shouted Dan.