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Wyoming
Wyoming

Chapter XVI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.
Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.
It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.
This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.
The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Wyoming

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.
Line 2
Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.
Line 3
It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.
Line 4
This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.
Line 5
The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.”

Appearance noun US /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.”

Around preposition US /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading “The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.”

Beyond preposition US /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading “It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.”

Flint noun US /flint/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.”

Point noun US /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading “Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.”

All words in this reading · 113

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

action

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

appear

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

belief

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

Brainerd

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

came

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

confident

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

crown

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

cumbrous

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

dangerous

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

descending

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

direction

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

distance

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

draw

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

eve

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

expected

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

feathers

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

finger

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

fire

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

flash

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

flint

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

forerunner

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

gathering

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

gaudy

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

gave

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

gazing

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

gleaming

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

half-chuckle

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

hammer

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

Indian

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

indicated

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

intended

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

interesting

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

like

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

line

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

means

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

miss

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

most

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

Mr

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

much

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

original

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

patriot

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

peculiar

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

peer

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

person

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

precisely

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

pressing

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

pressure

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

probably

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

projecting

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

real

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

released

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

rifle-barrel

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

rock

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

saw

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

Seneca

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

sentinel

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

several

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

sharp

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

slightly

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

spring

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

suggesting

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

suspicion

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

there

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

top-knot

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

trick

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

tried

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

From this reading This was the belief of the patriot, and, confident that at such a short distance he could not miss, he was about to fire, when there came a flash of suspicion that a sharp, but by no means original, trick was being tried on him.

trigger

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

trying

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

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

utterance

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

very

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

wall

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

From this reading It was the top-knot and crown of an Indian, with several gaudy feathers projecting slightly beyond the wall of rock, the appearance suggesting that he was gathering himself for a spring.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading The action was not precisely that of a real Indian while trying to peer around a dangerous point, and most probably was intended to draw the fire of the sentinel.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Those who were gazing along the line of direction indicated by the gleaming rifle-barrel, saw at the point where the Seneca was expected to appear, something which looked very much like the forerunner of that interesting person.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The finger of Mr. Brainerd was pressing the trigger, and the hammer with its cumbrous flint was on the very eve of descending, when he suddenly released the pressure, and gave utterance to a peculiar half-chuckle.