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 Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus Musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

plural of “banana” — any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus Musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

the region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

cooked in hot water

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

plural of “charm” — attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

a person who is in charge

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

gradually decreasing until little remains

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

enclose with a fence

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

a sister who has only one parent in common with you

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

a formal entry into an organization or position or office

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

held or filled or in use

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

preceding and preparing for something

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

cause to feel sure; give reassurance to

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

a harsh noise made by scraping

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

past form of “sprawl” — sit or lie with one's limbs spread out

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

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

From this reading Bakuma sat in the shade of the reed fence preparing the evening meal of boiled bananas.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

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

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

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

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

at the time that

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

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

From this reading From her slender neck swung the precious amulet at which, as if to reassure herself of its safety, she clutched occasionally.

which person or people

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading Beyond her were two slaves tending a fire beneath two large calabashes, preparatory to the brewing of banana beer, which had of course to be done by the chief widow, Bakuma’s half-sister’s mother.

having a fluffy character or appearance

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

but in spite of that

From this reading Her half-sister, who had not yet passed through the initiation at maturity, sprawled upon her belly in the dwindling rays of the sun, scratching her woolly head.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.

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

From this reading The mind of Bakuma was occupied by percepts of the charms of Zalu Zako; particularly as memorised on that afternoon by the river when the effect of the love charm had begun to work.