Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “accusation” — a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

any specific behavior

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

any thing at all

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading "Get busy, everybody!

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

every person

From this reading "Get busy, everybody!

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

start firing a weapon

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Get busy, everybody!

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

grass mowed and cured for use as fodder

From this reading Scatter the hay!"

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

easily ignited

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “pitchfork” — a long-handled hand tool with sharp widely spaced prongs for lifting and pitching hay

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “rake” — a dissolute man in fashionable society

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

to cause to separate and go in different directions

From this reading Scatter the hay!"

plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

a large number or amount

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

shedding tears

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

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

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

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

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

male cat

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

plural of “tongue” — a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading ACCUSATIONS "That's the way to do it!"

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why didn't we think of that before?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

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

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.

but in spite of that

From this reading These cries greeted the activity of Tom and his three friends, and, a few seconds later, as many of the crowd of students as could get near were picking and tearing at the stacks of hay, with whatever they could lay their hands on--pitchforks, rakes, sticks, clothes-poles--anything that would serve to scatter the inflammable mass, that was not yet ablaze, far enough off so that the tongues of fire could not reach it.