Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

later than; following

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

with anger

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

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

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

the two together, not just one

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

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

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

recognizable; marked

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

perceived or discerned

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading To their keenest investigation nothing unusual was visible.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

superlative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading To their keenest investigation nothing unusual was visible.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

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

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading To their keenest investigation nothing unusual was visible.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

on one occasion

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

rebuking a person harshly

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

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

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

possessive form of “tom” — male cat

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

having no tracks

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

not having an identifying mark

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading To their keenest investigation nothing unusual was visible.

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

From this reading He at once called Big Tom's attention to it, and they both decided that there was something unusual to cause them thus to act.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

in or at the place that

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

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

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

during the time that

From this reading After a while the quick ears of Mustagan detected a series of unusual cries of the birds.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

a native or resident of Michigan

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Not knowing but it might be a wolverine or a wild cat at which the birds seemed to be so angrily scolding, while the boys and the rest of the party remained near the fire they took their guns and carefully made their way through the woods to a spot where, without being seen themselves, they could observe the birds.

but in spite of that

From this reading The new, trackless snow was as yet unmarked by step of man or beast.