74 words to know before reading Tarzan of the Apes

1. Insufficient to meet demand.
2. Rare or not plentiful.

responsibility; but, on the other hand, he had been married to the Hon. Alice Rutherford for scarce a three months, and it was the thought of taking this fair young girl into the dangers and

1. People who work on ships or boats, especially as crew members.
2. Members of a navy, typically enlisted personnel.

which he could appreciate, and which he feared—England’s far-reaching navy. The two sailors picked themselves up, the older man assisting his wounded comrade to rise. The big fellow, who

1. A person who works on a ship or boat.
2. Someone skilled in navigating or operating vessels.

of mortification and rage, the captain regained his feet, and with a terrific blow felled the sailor to the deck. The man was small and rather old, so that the brutality of the act was thus

1. A rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers.
2. An organized resistance or uprising against leadership.

his knees with a single mighty blow. From scarlet the officer’s face went white, for this was mutiny; and mutiny he had met and subdued before in his brutal career. Without waiting to rise he

1. A unit of currency in Turkey, equal to 100 kuruş.
2. Informal term for "year" in some dialects or contexts.

an’ when ye ’ear shootin’ git below an’ stay there. “That’s all, only keep a still tongue in yer ’ead, or they’ll put a pill between yer ribs, an’ mark my word for it, sir,” and the old fellow

1. Handguns with a rotating cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. People or things that revolve or rotate.

A thorough search revealed the fact that nothing had been taken but Clayton’s two revolvers and the small supply of ammunition he had saved out for them. “Those are the very things I most

1. A handgun with a revolving cylinder holding multiple bullets.
2. A person or thing that revolves or turns.

or at least he used, but two arguments in his dealings with them—a belaying pin and a revolver—nor is it likely that the motley aggregation he signed would have understood aught else. So it

1. People who rebel against authority, especially in a military context.
2. Participants in a mutiny or uprising against leaders or commanders.

“If the officers are able to prevent a mutiny, we have nothing to fear, while if the mutineers are victorious our one slim hope lies in not having attempted to thwart or antagonize them.”

1. A loud, deep sound made by a lion or other large animal.
2. A loud, continuous noise, like thunder or a crowd.

From the dark shadows of the mighty forest came the wild calls of savage beasts—the deep roar of the lion, and, occasionally, the shrill scream of a panther. The woman shrank closer to the

1. A point of access or entry, such as a door or gate.
2. The act of entering or coming in.

set, wicked eyes, gleaming beneath shaggy brows. As the Fuwalda passed through the narrow entrance to the harbor and out of sight behind a projecting point, Lady Alice threw her arms about

1. A bowl-shaped container for holding liquids or washing items.
2. A natural depression in the Earth's surface, often holding water.

which lay concealed there. Just before dusk Clayton finished his ladder, and, filling a great basin with water from the nearby stream, the two mounted to the comparative safety of their aerial

1. A large wild cat, such as a leopard or jaguar, especially in its black form.
2. A term used for cougars or mountain lions in some regions.

of revolvers at his hand. Scarcely had they closed their eyes than the terrifying cry of a panther rang out from the jungle behind them. Closer and closer it came until they could hear the great

1. A long, narrow elevation of land.
2. The top edge of a roof where two slopes meet.

they had seen their little simian neighbors come screaming and chattering from the nearby ridge, casting frightened glances back over their little shoulders, and evincing as plainly as though

1. Lacking in quantity or quality; scanty.
2. Thin or lean in appearance.

the members of the tribe who had witnessed the killing of Kala he learned all that their meager vocabulary could convey. It was enough, however, for his needs. It told him of a strange,

1. Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
2. Hard to endure; harsh or severe.

securely in a crotch, he fell into deep and dreamless slumber. What with loss of sleep, arduous exercise, and a full belly, Tarzan of the Apes slept the sun around, awakening about noon of the

1. Looked steadily and intently, often with admiration or curiosity.
2. Stared fixedly for a long time, sometimes absentmindedly.

or ape. With difficulty he wriggled from beneath the great weight, and as he stood erect and gazed down upon the trophy of his skill, a mighty wave of exultation swept over him. With swelling

1. Brief or quick views of something.
2. Small indications or hints of something.

to them, sleeping soundly the whole night through. Thrice had they caught fleeting glimpses of great manlike figures like that of the first night, but never at sufficiently close range to

1. A person who is cruel, violent, or insensitive.
2. An animal lacking intelligence or reasoning.

warn him I might as well get the beastly job over for I have little stomach to talk with the brute at all.” So saying he strolled carelessly in the direction of the companionway through which the

1. A large primate without a tail, such as a gorilla or chimpanzee.
2. To imitate or copy someone's behavior or mannerisms.

position, now and then placing the backs of its closed fists upon the ground—a great anthropoid ape, and, as it advanced, it emitted deep guttural growls and an occasional low barking sound.

1. Long, pointed teeth, often found in carnivorous animals or vampires.
2. Hollow teeth through which venom is injected, as in snakes.

it far to one side. With an ugly snarl he closed upon his defenseless victim, but ere his fangs had reached the throat they thirsted for, there was a sharp report and a bullet entered the ape’s

1. To make a tangled noise, often in anger or frustration.
2. A tangled or knotted mass, like hair or thread.

terrible hands, and tearing it from Clayton’s grasp hurled it far to one side. With an ugly snarl he closed upon his defenseless victim, but ere his fangs had reached the throat they thirsted

1. Large primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
2. (Informal) To imitate or mimic someone's behavior.

their situation. During the year that followed, Clayton was several times attacked by the great apes which now seemed to continually infest the vicinity of the cabin; but as he never again ventured

1. To disturb, annoy, or bother someone persistently.
2. To sexually harass or assault someone.

was already dead, he turned from her, to examine the contents of the room; nor did he again molest the body of either Lady Alice or Sir John. The rifle hanging upon the wall caught his first

1. Intense or aggressive in nature.
2. Violent or forceful in action.

hugged the shrieking infant to her bosom, and soon the instinct that was as dominant in this fierce female as it had been in the breast of his tender and beautiful mother—the instinct of mother

1. Low, guttural sounds made by animals, often as a warning or sign of aggression.
2. Harsh or angry speech from a person.

and noiselessly they crept through the jungle toward the little cabin. There were no growls, no fierce screams of rage—the little black stick had taught them to come quietly lest they

1. A fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, known as the "Lord of the Jungle."
2. A strong, agile, and wild man raised by apes in the jungle.

In the higher land which his tribe frequented was a little lake, and it was here that Tarzan first saw his face in the clear, still waters of its bosom. It was on a sultry day of the dry

1. An arm or leg of a person or animal.
2. A large branch of a tree.

wildly in the path of an approaching tornado. He could drop twenty feet at a stretch from limb to limb in rapid descent to the ground, or he could gain the utmost pinnacle of the loftiest

1. A loop with a running knot that tightens when pulled, used for trapping or hanging.
2. A situation that restricts or traps someone, often metaphorically.

rope at one of his fleeing companions, retaining the other end in his grasp. By accident the noose fell squarely about the running ape’s neck, bringing him to a sudden and surprising halt. Ah,

1. The distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something.
2. A deep or profound state or quality.

which prevented him from foreseeing the hideous reality which awaited them in the grim depths of that gloomy wood. Early next morning their numerous chests and boxes were hoisted on deck and

1. A large, powerful ape native to Africa, known for its strength and intelligence.
2. Slang for someone who is dominant or intimidating in a particular field.

dragged him to earth he plunged the blade repeatedly and to the hilt into its breast. The gorilla, fighting after the manner of its kind, struck terrific blows with its open hand, and tore the

1. A loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise.
2. Informal term for a commotion or uproar.

power of their numbers, filled the breasts of their jungle neighbors with deep respect. As the din of the drum rose to almost deafening volume Kerchak sprang into the open space between the

1. Extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at.
2. Morally offensive or shocking.

of man over all other animals, for surely there could be no other reason for wearing the hideous things. Many moons ago, when he had been much smaller, he had desired the skin of Sabor, the

1. Bent low with the knees and upper body close to the ground.
2. Positioned oneself in a low, compact stance, often to hide or prepare for movement.

drowned the quiet approach of the intruder. Not thirty paces behind the two she crouched—Sabor, the huge lioness—lashing her tail. Cautiously she moved a great padded paw forward,

1. Thin and graceful in form or build.
2. Limited in width or thickness.

built—his smooth, brown, naked little body bent over the book which rested in his strong slender hands, and his great shock of long, black hair falling about his well-shaped head and bright,

1. Hard, white material from tusks and teeth of elephants and other animals.
2. A creamy white color resembling ivory.

soldiers for its native army, which it used solely for the forcible collection of rubber and ivory from the savage tribes along the Congo and the Aruwimi. The natives of the British Colony

1. A wild pig or swine, especially a male one.
2. An uncastrated domestic male pig.

and Tarzan saw it fly with the quickness of thought and lodge in the bristling neck of the boar. Scarcely had the shaft left his bow ere Kulonga had fitted another to it, but Horta, the boar,

1. Of great height or elevation.
2. Elevated in character, spirit, or tone.

X The Fear-Phantom From a lofty perch Tarzan viewed the village of thatched huts across the intervening plantation. He saw that

1. A branch or rod where birds rest.
2. A freshwater fish with spiny fins.

X The Fear-Phantom From a lofty perch Tarzan viewed the village of thatched huts across the intervening plantation. He saw that at one

1. Covered with a roof made of straw, reeds, or similar materials.
2. Relating to or resembling a thatch.

X The Fear-Phantom From a lofty perch Tarzan viewed the village of thatched huts across the intervening plantation. He saw that at one point the forest touched the village,

1. The leaves of a plant or tree.
2. A cluster of leaves, flowers, or branches.

when, finally, it was done he went forth purposely to hunt, and lie in wait among the dense foliage of a great branch right above the well-beaten trail that led to water. Several small animals

1. A large metal pot for boiling or cooking over an open fire.
2. A vessel associated with witches, often used in folklore and magic.

pile of arrows. Gathering up all he could carry under one arm, he overturned the seething cauldron with a kick, and disappeared into the foliage above just as the first of the returning natives

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

his arms and legs, and a necklace of dried human hands depending upon his chest, entered the hut. It was Mbonga, the king, father of Kulonga. For a few moments all was silent. Then Mbonga

1. Before (archaic or poetic)
2. In the presence of (archaic)

the world that the Fuwalda had gone down with all on board, and hence the search was stopped ere it had scarce begun; though hope lingered in longing hearts for many years. The Fuwalda, a

1. A type of tropical tree found in Southeast Asia.
2. Short for "tanager," a family of colorful American songbirds.

decision, the apes accept it as final, and return to their occupations satisfied. Then comes Tana, shrieking and holding tight her side from which blood is streaming. Gunto, her husband, has

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

He knew that, armed only with an ax, his chances with this ferocious monster were small indeed—and Alice; O God, he thought, what will become of Alice? There was yet a slight chance of

1. Worthy of attention; striking or unusual.
2. Exceptionally good or impressive.

Archimedes Q. Porter adjusted his spectacles. “Ah, yes, indeed; yes indeed—most remarkable, most remarkable!” said the professor; “but I can add nothing further to what I have already

1. A person employed to carry luggage and other loads.
2. A dark brown beer brewed from malt.

our officers and robbed us. We are absolutely in your power, but you’ll treat Professor Porter and Miss Porter with respect or I’ll break that vile neck of yours with my bare hands—guns or no

1. A structure of crossed wooden or metal strips forming a pattern.
2. A regular, repeated three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystal.

which she paused for an instant, and then launched her great weight against the timeworn lattice. The girl heard the wooden rods groan beneath the impact; but they held, and the huge body

1. Arms and legs of a human or animal.
2. Large branches of a tree.

Tarzan was in reality feeling his way with comparative slowness, searching constantly for limbs of adequate strength for the maintenance of this double weight. Presently they came to the

1. To engage in casual or frivolous romantic relationships, especially with multiple partners.
2. To flirt or behave playfully in a romantic way without serious intent.

will be comparatively safe in this cabin while I am searching for your father and Mr. Philander. Come, call the woman and I will hurry on. They can’t have gone far.” Jane did as he suggested

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

of the jungle. “But, papa,” cried the girl, “you haven’t said anything about it yet.” “Tut, tut, child; tut, tut,” responded Professor Porter, in a kindly and indulgent tone, “do not trouble

1. Moved across water using sails or wind power.
2. Traveled smoothly or effortlessly.

We know only that on a bright May morning in 1888, John, Lord Greystoke, and Lady Alice sailed from Dover on their way to Africa. A month later they arrived at Freetown where they chartered a

1. A large, multi-decked sailing ship used from the 16th to 18th centuries, primarily by European nations for trade and warfare.
2. A Spanish treasure ship known for transporting gold and silver from the Americas to Europe.

and dying of scurvy, starvation, and thirst, they had been wrecked on a small islet. The galleon was washed high upon the beach where she went to pieces; but not before the survivors, who

1. A piece of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. To travel on water using sails or a sailing vessel.

of elephant’s ear which grew in profusion about them, and over the fronds he laid a great sail folded into several thicknesses. Seven feet higher he constructed a similar, though lighter

1. A French title of respect for a man, equivalent to "Mr." or "sir."
2. Used as a polite form of address for a man in French-speaking contexts.

lowered and dispatched toward the beach. As it was drawn up a young officer stepped out. “Monsieur Clayton, I presume?” he asked. “Thank God, you have come!” was Clayton’s reply. “And it may be

1. Began or started something.
2. Formally initiated an action or process.

forest and the wild jungle animals with which he was familiar. He was nearly ten before he commenced to realize that a great difference existed between himself and his fellows. His little body,

1. A small ornamental case, often worn as a necklace, that holds a keepsake or photo.
2. A hinged pendant that opens to reveal a compartment for mementos.

of the receptacle. In it he found a faded photograph of a smooth faced young man, a golden locket studded with diamonds, linked to a small gold chain, a few letters and a small book. Tarzan

1. A minor or brief battle or fight between small groups.
2. A short argument or disagreement.

were delayed awaiting the return of the warriors who had remained to engage in the skirmish with the white men, so that it was quite late when all were in the village, and the dance of

1. Twisted together in a confused mass.
2. Complicated or intricate in nature.

trees, carrying down numberless branches and many smaller neighbors to add to the tangled confusion of the tropical jungle. Branches, great and small, torn away by the ferocity of the

1. Stopped or paused movement or progress.
2. Brought to a standstill.

tangled vines and creepers. It was slow work. Noon found them but a few miles inland. They halted for a brief rest then, and after pushing on for a short distance further one of the men

1. Taken by force or legal authority.
2. Grasped suddenly and firmly.

her. With the death of the babe his fit of demoniacal rage passed as suddenly as it had seized him. Kerchak was a huge king ape, weighing perhaps three hundred and fifty pounds. His forehead

1. A simultaneous discharge of missiles, such as bullets or arrows.
2. In sports, a hit or kick of the ball before it touches the ground.

its dirty contents. For an instant the scene was ludicrous; but only for an instant. With a volley of awful oaths, his face suffused with the scarlet of mortification and rage, the captain

1. A journey or voyage for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. A group of people undertaking such a journey.

of those brave and sympathetic Frenchmen who did not quickly beg leave to be one of the expedition. The commander selected twenty men and two officers, Lieutenant D’Arnot and Lieutenant

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

the door fell over one another in their wild anxiety to escape. Kerchak was equally frightened, so frightened, in fact, that he quite forgot to throw aside the author of that fearful noise,

1. Courteous and gallant, especially toward women.
2. Honorable and generous, like a medieval knight.

awful fangs—you too would have thought him invincible. “And could you have seen the chivalrous treatment which he accorded a strange girl of a strange race, you would feel the same absolute

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

most of her kind possessed. So, also, she had a great capacity for mother love and mother sorrow. But she was still an ape, a huge, fierce, terrible beast of a species closely allied to the

1. Assistance or support in times of hardship or distress.
2. To give aid or relief to someone in need.

D’Arnot. Can you leave them, gentlemen, without at least rendering them the passive succor which remaining here a few days longer might insure them?” “Tut, tut, child,” said Professor

1. The next day or the day after today.
2. The time following a particular event.

joined them long enough to instruct them to make their preparations for landing on the morrow. They tried to persuade him to take them to some more hospitable coast near enough to

1. A flat paper container for a letter or document.
2. The outer covering of a virus or cell.

was puzzled over the envelope. How strange it seemed that to a full-grown white man an envelope was a mystery. D’Arnot opened it and handed the letter back to Tarzan. Sitting on a camp stool

1. A book where personal experiences and thoughts are recorded daily.
2. A daily record of events or transactions.

upon him with the care of that wee thing, his son, still a nursing babe. The last entry in his diary was made the morning following her death, and there he recites the sad details in a

1. A roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor.
2. An open-air gallery or porch, often partly enclosed by a railing.

warm carcass of Numa across his shoulders and took to the trees once more. The men upon the veranda had sat for an hour, almost in silence. They had tried ineffectually to converse on various

1. A term historically used to refer to a person of Black African descent.
2. Considered outdated and offensive in modern usage, replaced by terms like "Black" or "African American."

had taken a dozen backward steps the men were upon them. An ax in the hands of a burly Negro cleft the captain from forehead to chin, and an instant later the others were down: dead or

1. A small, simple house, typically in a rural or semi-rural area.
2. A vacation home, often in a scenic location.

hamlet. Before them stood Clayton’s car surrounded by the party he had brought from the cottage.

1. The internal framework of bones in vertebrates.
2. A supporting structure or framework of an object.

“Mr. Philander, do you recall any of the details of the finding and burying of three skeletons found in my cabin beside that African jungle?” “Very distinctly, sir, very distinctly,” replied