Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

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

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

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

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

for the reason that

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

the lower side of anything

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

travel across or pass over

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

a downward slope or bend

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

comparative of “dense” — permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

a roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while a main route is blocked)

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

one or the other of two

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

resembling a fork; divided or separated into two branches

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

set up or found

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

a man skilled in equitation

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

and nothing more

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

plural of “league” — an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

engage in

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

not in physical motion

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

outlying areas (as of a city or town)

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

plural of “rut” — a groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels)

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

put a saddle on

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

having or joined by a seam or seams

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

United States electrical engineer who pioneered mathematical communication theory (1916-2001)

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

curved or curving in and out

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

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

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

in a steep manner

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

past form of “straggle” — wander from a direct or straight course

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

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

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

in the direction of

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading Close behind the trooper a sinuous trail seamed by ruts and the print of hoofs stretched away across the empty prairie.

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

a soldier in a motorized army unit

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The other arm twisted in and out among the birches towards the bridge, but that detour increased the distance to any one traveling north or south by two leagues or so.

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

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

under normal conditions

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

precisely as stated

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

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

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

at the time that

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.

in or at the place that

From this reading IN THE BLUFF It was very dark amid the birches where Trooper Shannon sat motionless in his saddle gazing down into the denser blackness of the river hollow.

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

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The stream ran deep below the level of the prairie, as the rivers of that country usually do, and the trees which there alone found shelter from the winds straggled, gnarled and stunted, up either side of the steep declivity.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading It forked on the outskirts of the bluff, and one arm dipped steeply to the river where, because the stream ran slow just there and the bottom was firm, a horseman might cross when the water was low, and heavy sledges make the passage on the ice in winter time.