Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

a state or condition markedly different from the norm

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

experiencing a sudden sense of danger

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

(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 Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

make known; make an announcement

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

react verbally

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

plural of “emperor” — the male ruler of an empire

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

plural of “empire” — the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

divisible by two

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

plural of “fetter” — a shackle for the ankles or feet

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

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

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

-ing form of “jeopardize” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

and nothing more

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

staying power

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

of less size or importance

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

any art that invokes supernatural powers

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

come together

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

changed from a solid to a liquid state

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

a person who carries a message

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

a particular point in time

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

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

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

on one occasion

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

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

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

the act of punishing

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

preceding and preparing for something

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

coming to understand something clearly and distinctly

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

the act of receiving

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

someone who imports or exports without paying duties

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

only a very short time before

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

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

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Although he could not expect an answer to his letter to Lucille in Europe, there might be others; and such an event as the receipt of a mail once in six months is apt to be exciting.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

precisely as stated

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

-ing form of “violate” — fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

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

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

cover with wax

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

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

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Even realization of the penalty was scarcely enough to hobble his impatient legs, for the very suggestion of what the mail represented melted the fetters of this native world as wax in the sun.

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

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

a Caucasian

From this reading Bakahenzie had come to announce that the certain magic “things,” which a messenger had brought from the white man’s country, had arrived.

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Birnier forgot his rôle for the moment, leaped to his feet preparatory to rushing out to meet the runner, but a grunt from Bakahenzie and an alarmed cry from Mungongo were just in time to prevent him from jeopardizing the stability of the world and all that he had won by violating the tabu by stepping beyond the sacred ground.

destroyed in an accident

From this reading Other gods and emperors have indeed wrecked empires through a lesser aberration.