Chapter XXI · A Matter of Business

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

on foot; walking

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

put into a proper or systematic order

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

plural of “calf” — young of domestic cattle

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

power to direct or determine

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

conceived of or imagined or hoped for

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

move gently or carefully

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

made bold or courageous

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

Jewish heroine in one of the books of the Apocrypha; she saved her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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 He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

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

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

possessive form of “mark” — a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

the force of workers available

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

in an essential manner

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

any cohesive unit such as a military company

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

causing reflection or having a device that reflects

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

put or confide something in a person or thing

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

get by special effort

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

take without the owner's consent

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

English writer (1672-1729)

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

carry out

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

British stateswoman; first woman to serve as Prime Minister (born in 1925)

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

up to a particular time

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

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

From this reading If they had felt less secure and been a little more discreet Robin would never have dreamed the Block S round-up was run by a thief in his own interest.

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

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

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

From this reading He knew now why Shining Mark had dared so much and felt so safe until the simple accident of a horse lamed and his rider set afoot had betrayed him.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading It was easy to take advantage of the wide trust and power a cow outfit must necessarily repose in men.

in the company of; together with

From this reading From the high level of the plain above the Judith River Robin looked back, gazing on the scene below and reflecting on the ease with which a range boss could arrange things to suit his own convenience, his own purposes.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.

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

From this reading If Steele and Thatcher had not been emboldened by Shining Mark’s absolute control of the Block S range, they would never have shot those Bar M Bar cows in order to steal their calves within twenty miles of home.