used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
AfricanadjectiveUS /ˈæfrəkən/
of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
coloredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
a female human offspring
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
without deviation
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading Habakkuk McEwen had disappeared!
the act of discovering something
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
in a serious manner
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
Eva
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
fugitivesnounUS /ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪvz/
plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
Gimpnoun
disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
GravitynounUS /ˈɡrævəti/
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
Habakkuknoun
a Hebrew minor prophet
From this reading Habakkuk McEwen had disappeared!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
ten 10s
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
imprudencenounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːdəns/
a lack of caution in practical affairs
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
Maggie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
McEwen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Habakkuk McEwen had disappeared!
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
mountainousadjectiveUS /ˈmaʊntənəs/
having hills and crags
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
in motion
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
Peggy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
posturenounUS /ˈpɑːstʃər/
the arrangement of the body and its limbs
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
pushingnounUS /ˈpʊʃɪŋ/
the act of applying force in order to move something away
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
rodnounUS /rɑːd/
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
sectionnounUS /ˈsekʃən/
a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
serpent-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
sh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
stationaryadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪʃəneri/
standing still
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
stoopingadjectiveUS /ˈstuːpɪŋ/
having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
a message informing of danger
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gravity Gimp, the colored guide, was fully a hundred feet in advance--a piece of imprudence that should never have been permitted, while Eva came next, Aunt Peggy directly behind her, and Maggie and her father were less than a rod distant from her.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
at the time that
From this reading Gravity remained stationary but a second or two, when, in a stooping posture, he began moving back toward his friends.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
which person or people
From this reading That which caught the attention of father and daughter while they were conversing so earnestly, was a serpent-like "sh!" from the African, who, stopping instantly, turned part way round, and raised his hand in such a warning manner that the four paused, knowing he had made some alarming discovery.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading While the fugitives were pushing their way through the wilderness, and especially after they had entered the more romantic and mountainous section, they had become somewhat separated from each other.
