used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
(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 THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
assemblynounUS /əˈsembli/
a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
bandsnounUS /bændz/
plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
completely unclothed
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
CANESnounUS /keɪnz/
plural of “cane” — a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
consternationnounUS /ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃən/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
emittedverbUS /ɪˈmɪtəd/
inflected form of “emit” — expel (gases or odors)
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading "Look out, fellows!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
freshmannounUS /ˈfreʃmən/
a first-year undergraduate
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/
an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
gravelnounUS /ˈɡrævəl/
rock fragments and pebbles
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
groansnounUS /ɡroʊnz/
plural of “groan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
Hawley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
impendingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpendɪŋ/
close in time; about to occur
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
keenestadjectiveUS /ˈkiːnəst/
superlative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
magnifyverbUS /ˈmæɡnəfaɪ/
increase in size, volume or significance
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
the force of workers available
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
a particular point in time
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Look out, fellows!
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
with speed
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
runnersnounUS /ˈrʌnərz/
plural of “runner” — someone who imports or exports without paying duties
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
shrieksnounUS /ʃriːks/
plural of “shriek” — sharp piercing cry
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
sleighnounUS /sleɪ/
a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
sophomoresnounUS /ˈsɑːfmɔːrz/
plural of “sophomore” — a second-year undergraduate
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
having a supporting base
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
strivingnounUS /ˈstraɪvɪŋ/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
warnverbUS /wɔːrn/
notify of danger, potential harm, or risk
From this reading The ground was bare in places, and the runners of the sleigh, as the iron bands passed over the gravel, emitted shrieks and groans as if they were striving to warn the sophomores of the impending peril.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
at the time that
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Seated in the sleigh were three men whom the assembly speedily recognized as members of the freshman class, and their own fears for a moment doubtless caused the sophomores to magnify the numbers as well as the danger.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Here they come!" said one in a low voice whom Will and Hawley recognized.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CANES At the very moment when the consternation of the sophomores was keenest the sound of a sleigh turning into the yard in which they were standing caused them all to look quickly toward the gateway.
