Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

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

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

for the reason that

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

a blemish made by dirt

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

come together as in a cluster or flock

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

a steep rugged rock or cliff

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

plural of “doorstep” — the sill of a door; a horizontal piece of wood or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorway

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

possessive form of “grandfather” — the father of your father or mother

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

common Old World heath represented by many varieties; low evergreen grown widely in the northern hemisphere

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

and nothing more

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

in the recent past

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

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

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

the force of workers available

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

a durable cotton fabric with a velvety nap

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

drawn or pressed close to someone or something for or as if for affection or protection

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

the northwestern region of the United States

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

having a pale face

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

with regret (used in polite formulas)

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

recurring again and again

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

only a very short time before

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

deeply affected or marked by mental or physical pain or injury

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

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

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

in a grave and sedate manner

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

-ing form of “stride” — walk with long steps

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

lighted by sunlight

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Author of "By Right of Purchase," "Lorimer of the Northwest," "Alton of Somasco," etc.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

move through by or as by digging

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

at the time that

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.

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

From this reading Above the village, and beyond the summit of the crag, the mouth of a tunnel formed a black blot on the sunlit slopes of sheep-cropped grass stretching up to the heather, which gave place in turn to rock out-crop on the shoulders of the fell.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The loungers glanced at the tunnel regretfully, for that mine had furnished most of them with their daily bread.

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

From this reading The cluster of gray stone houses nestled beneath the scarred face of a crag, and, because mining operations had lately been suspended and work was scarce just then, pale-faced men in moleskin lounged about the slate-slab doorsteps.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading It was a pity that Geoffrey Thurston was following in his grandfather's footsteps, the sturdy dalefolk said, and several of them shook their heads solemnly as they repeated the observation when one morning the young man came striding down the steep street of a village in the North Country.