used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
eagerly desirous
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
chumsnounUS /tʃʌmz/
plural of “chum” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
craning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
crouchingverbUS /ˈkraʊtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
Elmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
endeavornounUS /ɪnˈdevər/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
start firing a weapon
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
set up or found
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
the act of departing
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
and nothing more
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
set down according to a plan
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
marchingnounUS /ˈmɑːrtʃɪŋ/
the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
necksnounUS /neks/
plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
plyverbUS /plaɪ/
give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
express in words
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading "George did it, Elmer!" he hastened to say; "with his silly little sneeze.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
sneezenounUS /sniːz/
a symptom consisting of the involuntary expulsion of air from the nose
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
in or at that place or location
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
Toby'snounUS /ˈtoʊbiz/
possessive form of “toby” — a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading So Elmer walked back to where his anxious chums were crouching, craning their necks in the endeavor to ascertain what was going on.
at the time that
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
in or at the place that
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
a Caucasian
From this reading As a matter of duty he ran forward to where that strange figure in white had been marching to and fro, but just as he fully expected there was not a single sign of the late presence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He found them ready to ply him with questions; and Toby's first act was to free himself from suspicion.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading TOLD AROUND THE CAMP FIRE OF course Elmer was disappointed when his carefully laid plans all went by the board, owing to that unfortunate sneeze, just at the worst possible time.
