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 As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

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

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

aroused to action

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

a line of approach

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

having a back or backing, usually of a specified type

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

a monarchy in northwestern Europe; headquarters for the European Union and for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

next to; at the side of

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

money in the form of bills or coins

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

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

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

fraught with uncertainty or doubt

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

a marketplace where groceries are sold

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

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

From this reading It reminded him of old times to see Pete.

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

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

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

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 Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

person who does no work

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

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 The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

Recollections of past events.

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Irish descent

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It reminded him of old times to see Pete.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

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

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

land and the buildings on it

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading It reminded him of old times to see Pete.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

Identical; not different.

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

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

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

inflected form of “scurry” — to move about or proceed hurriedly

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It reminded him of old times to see Pete.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

be standing; be upright

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

-ing form of “strafe” — attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

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

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

propel through the air

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading It reminded him of old times to see Pete.

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

male cat

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

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

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

up to a particular time

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

void of intelligence or thought

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

precisely as stated

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

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

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

at the time that

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

in or at the place that

From this reading As Tom Slade went through Terrace Avenue on his way to the Temple Camp office, where he was employed, he paused beside a truck backed up against the curb in front of a certain vacant store.

a Caucasian

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

in the company of; together with

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Tom had wondered what _strafing_ was, until long afterward he heard that poor Belgium was being _strafed_; and then he knew.

the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat

From this reading Upon it was a big table and wrestling with the table was Pete Connigan, the truckman--the very same Pete Connigan at whom Tom used to throw rocks and whom he had called a "mick."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"

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

From this reading The vacant store, too, aroused dubious memories, for there he had stolen many an apple in the days when Adolf Schmitt had his "cash grocery" on the premises, and used to stand in the doorway with his white apron on, shaking his fist as Tom scurried down the street and calling, "I'll _strafe_ you, you young loafer!"