Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

(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 "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

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

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

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

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

surprising greatly

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

plural of “attitude” — a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

clothing in general

From this reading We want clothes.

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

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

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

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

property consisting of houses and land

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

engage in

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

the force of workers available

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

not any; not one

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

be seated

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

supernatural forces and events and beings collectively

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

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

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading We want clothes.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Superstitious by nature, they doubted whether there was not something supernatural in the appearance of the three strangers.

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

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading If you sit quiet and do as we order you, no harm will come to you.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading So astonishing was the spectacle of three lightly-clad men, appearing suddenly on board a craft moored out on the river, that the three boatmen sat immovable, in the attitudes in which they had been sitting at the entry of these strange visitors, without uttering a word.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If you cry out or make the slightest sound," Fergus said, showing his knife, "you are all dead men.