85 words to know before reading White Fang

1. A type of coniferous tree with needle-like leaves and cones.
2. To make something neat or smart in appearance.

I The Trail of the Meat Dark spruce forest frowned on either side the frozen waterway. The trees had been stripped by a recent wind

1. Worked hard or laboriously.
2. Moved slowly or with difficulty.

of the space, was the long and narrow oblong box. In advance of the dogs, on wide snowshoes, toiled a man. At the rear of the sled toiled a second man. On the sled, in the box, lay a third man

1. A vehicle on runners for traveling over snow or ice.
2. A small, light vehicle used for sliding downhill on snow.

order to force down and under the bore of soft snow that surged like a wave before it. On the sled, securely lashed, was a long and narrow oblong box. There were other things on the

1. A shape longer than it is wide, with straight sides and rounded ends.
2. An elongated rectangle or oval.

turned his head until his eyes met the eyes of the man behind. And then, across the narrow oblong box, each nodded to the other. A second cry arose, piercing the silence with needle-like

1. A companion or associate, especially in shared activities or struggles.
2. A fellow member of a socialist or communist party.

hoarse and unreal, and he had spoken with apparent effort. “Meat is scarce,” answered his comrade. “I ain’t seen a rabbit sign for days.” Thereafter they spoke no more, though their ears were

1. Shining brightly; reflecting light (e.g., a gleaming surface).
2. Appearing clean, polished, or radiant.

There was no suggestion of form in the utter blackness; only could be seen a pair of eyes gleaming like live coals. Henry indicated with his head a second pair, and a third. A circle of the

1. A small, tailless amphibian with moist skin and long hind legs for leaping.
2. A device used to hold objects, such as flower stems or horse hooves, in place.

of them. They’re pretty thin. They ain’t had a bite in weeks I reckon, outside of Fatty an’ Frog an’ Spanker; an’ there’s so many of ’em that that didn’t go far. They’re remarkable thin. Their

1. Small containers holding ink for printers.
2. Cases holding bullets or gunpowder for firearms.

lowering his voice to a whisper because of what he imitated. “We’ve got three cartridges. But it’s a dead shot. Couldn’t miss it. It’s got away with three of our dogs, an’ we oughter put

1. A person who spanks, especially as a form of punishment.
2. (Nautical) The fore-and-aft sail on the aftmost mast of a sailing vessel.

of the anger that was raging within. “Jes’ because he couldn’t chew himself loose, he chews Spanker loose.” “Well, Spanker’s troubles is over anyway; I guess he’s digested by this time an’

1. The harsh, hoarse sound made by a frog or crow.
2. (Slang) Dying or death.

“You’ve only got three cartridges, an’ there’s no tellin’ what might happen.” “Who’s croaking now?” Bill demanded triumphantly. Henry made no reply, and plodded on alone, though often he cast

1. Moved at a pace faster than walking, with a light, bouncy gait (usually referring to horses or similar animals).
2. Walked or moved briskly but not hurriedly (used for humans or animals).

from around the last bend and plainly into view, on the very trail they had just covered, trotted a furry, slinking form. Its nose was to the trail, and it trotted with a peculiar, sliding,

1. A tangled knot or twisted mass, often referring to hair, thread, or wires.
2. A growling or angry sound made by an animal, like a dog.

the pack. A hasty drawing back always resulted, accompanied by angry yelps and frightened snarls when a well-aimed brand struck and scorched a too daring animal. Morning found the man haggard

1. Making low, whining sounds, often due to fear, pain, or distress.
2. Complaining or expressing dissatisfaction in a feeble or tearful way.

with burning brands, he fought off the hungry pack. When he dozed despite himself, the whimpering and snarling of the dogs aroused him. Morning came, but for the first time the light of day

1. Making a deep, angry growling sound.
2. Twisted or tangled, often referring to hair or ropes.

one on either side, leaning against him for protection, crying and whimpering, and at times snarling desperately when a wolf approached a little closer than usual. At such moments, when his dogs

1. A feeling of melancholy or longing, often for something in the past.
2. A state of pensive sadness, tinged with nostalgia.

could notice was an accession of alertness. It still regarded them with the merciless wistfulness of hunger. They were meat, and it was hungry; and it would like to go in and eat them if it

1. A loud, prolonged cry or sound, often made by animals like wolves.
2. A strong, mournful noise caused by wind.

with the Factor. Also, it seemed to him that the fort was besieged by wolves. They were howling at the very gates, and sometimes he and the Factor paused from the game to listen and laugh at

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

was used to having things thrown at her. She had snarled as she sprang away, baring her white fangs to their roots, all her wistfulness vanishing, being replaced by a carnivorous malignity that

1. (verb) Made a tangled or knotted mess, like hair or ropes.
2. (verb) Growled or spoke angrily and harshly.

when a wolf approached a little closer than usual. At such moments, when his dogs snarled, the whole circle would be agitated, the wolves coming to their feet and pressing tentatively

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

beasts; and at the sound of his voice the whole circle was agitated, there was a general snarl, and the she-wolf slid up close to him across the snow and watched him with hungry wistfulness.

1. The projecting part of an animal's face, including the nose and mouth.
2. A device placed over an animal's mouth to prevent biting or eating.

way. One moonlight night, running through the quiet forest, One Eye suddenly halted. His muzzle went up, his tail stiffened, and his nostrils dilated as he scented the air. One foot also he

1. Standing stiffly upright, like hair or fur in anger or fear.
2. Showing irritation or defensiveness.

throwing himself back on his haunches, with forelegs stiff, mouth menacing, and mane bristling. This confusion in the front of the moving pack always caused confusion in the rear. The wolves

1. A young tree, especially one with a slender trunk.
2. A person in the early stages of development or growth.

was a suspicious crackling movement beside him, and his astonished eye saw a young spruce sapling bending down above him to strike him. His jaws let go their grip, and he leaped backward to

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

and slubberings. His mate warned him irritably away, and he curled up and slept in the entrance. When morning came and a dim light pervaded the lair, he again sought after the source of the

1. The foot of an animal with claws or nails, such as a cat or dog.
2. To touch or scrape something with a paw.

or had it not discovered its enemy a fraction of a second before the blow was struck, the paw would have escaped unscathed; but a side-flick of the tail sank sharp quills into it as it was

1. A rodent with sharp, quill-like spines for defense.
2. Any of several species in the families Erethizontidae or Hystricidae.

spruce he watched the play of life before him—the waiting lynx and the waiting porcupine, each intent on life; and, such was the curiousness of the game, the way of life for one lay in

1. Hollow shafts of bird feathers used for writing.
2. Sharp spines on animals like porcupines.

was struck, the paw would have escaped unscathed; but a side-flick of the tail sank sharp quills into it as it was withdrawn. Everything had happened at once—the blow, the counterblow, the

1. A type of bird in the grouse family, known for its feathered feet and seasonal camouflage.
2. Found in Arctic and subarctic regions, it changes plumage from brown in summer to white in winter.

of fatherhood was strong upon him. He must find meat. In the afternoon he blundered upon a ptarmigan. He came out of a thicket and found himself face to face with the slow-witted bird. It was

1. A medium-sized wild cat with tufted ears and a short tail, found in northern regions.
2. A constellation in the northern sky, named after the animal.

something that sent him crouching swiftly down. It was the maker of the track, a large female lynx. She was crouching as he had crouched once that day, in front of her the tight-rolled ball of

1. A young bear, lion, or other carnivorous mammal.
2. A section of the Boy Scouts for young boys (ages 8–10).

III The Grey Cub He was different from his brothers and sisters. Their hair already betrayed the reddish hue

1. Making a harsh, grating sound.
2. A rough or irritating noise.

in a feeble, awkward way, and even to squabble, his little throat vibrating with a queer rasping noise (the forerunner of the growl), as he worked himself into a passion. And long before his

1. A low, guttural sound made by an animal, often as a warning or sign of aggression.
2. To make a deep, rumbling noise, like thunder or an engine.

her breast. But he was, further, the fiercest of the litter. He could make a louder rasping growl than any of them. His tiny rages were much more terrible than theirs. It was he that first

1. A secret or private place where someone hides or rests.
2. The den or resting place of a wild animal.

II The Lair For two days the she-wolf and One Eye hung about the Indian camp. He was worried and

1. Young bears, especially of the species Ursidae.
2. The young of certain other animals, such as lions or foxes.

as a fear strong within her, that made her prevent One Eye from more closely inspecting the cubs he had fathered. But there was no danger. Old One Eye was feeling the urge of an impulse, that

1. Compliance with commands or requests from authority figures.
2. Submission to rules, laws, or established norms.

of life. Thus it was that in obedience to the law laid down by his mother, and in obedience to the law of that unknown and nameless thing, fear, he kept away from the mouth of the cave. It

1. A small, slender carnivorous mammal with short legs and a long body.
2. To evade or avoid a situation or responsibility in a sneaky manner.

him, at his feet, he saw an extremely small live thing, only several inches long, a young weasel, that, like himself, had disobediently gone out adventuring. It tried to retreat before him. He

1. A small, agile rodent with a bushy tail, often climbing trees.
2. To hide or store something for future use (verb).

dead trunk of the blasted pine that stood on the edge of an open space among the trees. A squirrel, running around the base of the trunk, came full upon him, and gave him a great fright. He

1. A large deer species native to North America, Europe, and Asia, known for its broad antlers (males).
2. Slang for something big, clumsy, or awkward.

animals, to be torn and slashed by their hungry fangs, to be sustenance to them as the moose and the rabbit had often been sustenance to him. He came out of a doze that was half nightmare,

1. Past tense of flee; ran away from danger or trouble.
2. Having left quickly to escape.

moment he received a clout alongside the head that knocked him over on his side. Then all fight fled out of him. His puppyhood and the instinct of submission took charge of him. He sat up on his

1. A large semiaquatic rodent with strong teeth, known for building dams and lodges.
2. The fur of a beaver, used in making hats and clothing.

nights in the mating season? Therefore was the father of Kiche a wolf.” “It is a year, Grey Beaver, since she ran away,” spoke a second Indian. “It is not strange, Salmon Tongue,” Grey Beaver

1. A long, pointed tooth, especially of a carnivorous animal.
2. The hollow or grooved tooth of a venomous snake.

She was even pleased. This was her day—and it came not often—when manes bristled, and fang smote fang or ripped and tore the yielding flesh, all for the possession of her. And in the

1. Hostile treatment, especially due to race, religion, or beliefs.
2. Systematic oppression or harassment of a group.

His temper had been savage by birth, but it became more savage under this unending persecution. The genial, playful, puppyish side of him found little expression. He never played and gambolled

1. A cone-shaped tent traditionally used by some Native American tribes, made from animal skins or canvas.
2. Informal term for a small, temporary shelter or play tent for children.

learning and living and doing that brings experience. The last few inches to the wall of the teepee were crawled with painful slowness and precaution. The day’s events had prepared him for the

1. A short, sharp cry or bark, often from a dog.
2. A popular online platform for reviewing businesses and services.

and sent him hurtling sidewise against the wall. Then was added to the uproar the cub’s shrill yelp of pain and fright. But the fight lasted so long that he had time to cry himself out and to

1. A narrow, lightweight boat pointed at both ends, propelled by paddles.
2. A small open boat used for recreation or sport on water.

and Kiche, went to pay the debt. White Fang saw his mother taken aboard Three Eagles’ canoe, and tried to follow her. A blow from Three Eagles knocked him backward to the land. The canoe

1. Extremely fierce or violent.
2. Intensely aggressive or brutal.

the hair stood up on end along his back and his lips wrinkled weakly in an attempt at a ferocious and intimidating snarl. Out of his puniness and fright he challenged and menaced the whole wide

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

ardours and exaltations and undue self-values of the human soul, until they perceived themselves finite and small, specks and motes, moving with weak cunning and little wisdom amidst the play

1. A term historically used to refer to Native American women, often considered outdated or offensive.
2. In some contexts, refers to the wives or female members of Indigenous tribes.

He had to forage for himself, and he foraged well, though he was ofttimes a plague to the squaws in consequence. He learned to sneak about camp, to be crafty, to know what was going on

1. To impose something unpleasant or painful on someone.
2. To cause harm, suffering, or damage.

how to take care of himself in a mass-fight against him—and how, on a single dog, to inflict the greatest amount of damage in the briefest space of time. To keep one’s feet in the midst of

1. Initial steps or preparations before the main event.
2. Introductory remarks or actions.

him and his feet downward to the mother earth. When dogs fight, there are usually preliminaries to the actual combat—snarlings and bristlings and stiff-legged struttings. But White Fang

1. A term historically used to refer to a Native American woman.
2. Considered offensive and derogatory in modern usage.

value. It was worth more, in some strange way, then a dozen pieces of meat from the hand of a squaw. Grey Beaver never petted nor caressed. Perhaps it was the weight of his hand, perhaps his

1. A close friendship or relationship between people.
2. The feeling of comfort and support from being with others.

to know fear many times in his dealing with man; yet it was a token of the fearless companionship with man that was ultimately to be his. After a time, White Fang heard strange noises

1. A hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, used in candles, soaps, and lubricants.
2. The processed fat of cattle or sheep, often used in cooking or industrial applications.

blow. It did not fall. He stole a glance upward. Grey Beaver was breaking the lump of tallow in half! Grey Beaver was offering him one piece of the tallow! Very gently and somewhat

1. A formal agreement or promise between two or more parties.
2. A binding contract in law or religion.

V The Covenant When December was well along, Grey Beaver went on a journey up the Mackenzie. Mit-sah and

1. Young dogs, typically under one year old.
2. Term of endearment for something cute or small.

and outfit. Also there were many dogs; and these, with the exception of the part-grown puppies, were likewise burdened with camp outfit. On their backs, in bags that fastened tightly around

1. Punishment inflicted in retaliation for harm or wrongdoing.
2. Desire for revenge or retribution.

He was a monstrous tyrant. His mastery was rigid as steel. He oppressed the weak with a vengeance. Not for nothing had he been exposed to the pitiless struggles for life in the day of his

1. Extreme scarcity of food leading to widespread hunger and starvation.
2. A severe shortage of something essential.

Forgotten were the days they had hunted together, the game they had pulled down, the famine they had suffered. That business was a thing of the past. The business of love was at hand—ever

1. The larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg (tibia).
2. The front part of the leg below the knee.

and swiftness of attack. He stood, gazing stupidly across at White Fang, the raw, red shinbone between them. Baseek was old, and already he had come to know the increasing valour of the dogs

1. Stiff, short hairs or fibers, often on an animal or brush.
2. Reacted defensively or angrily to something.

the unknown was one of the chief elements that went into the making of fear. The hair bristled upon the grey cub’s back, but it bristled silently. How was he to know that this thing that

1. Past tense of "cling" – held tightly or stuck firmly to something.
2. Remained emotionally attached or dependent on someone or something.

them capable of doing the trick. His feet clung to the earth with the same tenacity that he clung to life. For that matter, life and footing were synonymous in this unending warfare with the

1. The stage of a dog's life when it is a puppy.
2. The period of time characterized by youthful energy and playfulness.

about fire. It drew him as the light in the mouth of the cave had drawn him in his early puppyhood. He crawled the several steps toward the flame. He heard Grey Beaver chuckle above him, and he

1. Remarkably large in size or extent.
2. Extraordinary in degree or amount.

and malignant with menace, even the bridge of the nose wrinkling from tip to eyes so prodigious was her snarl. Then it was that a cry went up from one of the men. “Kiche!” was what he uttered.

1. A physical need or desire to drink liquids.
2. A strong craving or longing for something (e.g., thirst for knowledge).

In the end his money and goods and temper were all gone. Nothing remained to him but his thirst, a prodigious possession in itself that grew more prodigious with every sober breath he drew.

1. A narrow strip of leather or other material, used as a fastening or as the lash of a whip.
2. A type of underwear or swimwear with a minimal back coverage.

every movement. He saw Beauty Smith go away and return with a stout club. Then the end of the thong was given over to him by Grey Beaver. Beauty Smith started to walk away. The thong grew taut.

1. A large, powerful breed of dog known for its strength and gentle nature.
2. Historically used as guard dogs or war dogs due to their size and loyalty.

gloated over the ripping and mangling performed by White Fang. There was no hope for the mastiff from the first. He was too ponderous and slow. In the end, while Beauty Smith beat White Fang

1. Extreme fierceness or intensity.
2. Savage or violent behavior.

only eat his heart in bitterness and develop a hatred and malice commensurate with the ferocity and indomitability of his nature. If ever a creature was the enemy of its kind, White Fang was

1. Holding tightly or sticking firmly to something.
2. Emotionally dependent or unwilling to let go.

it worse, the light of the sky was obscured and snow began to fall—a raw, moist, melting, clinging snow, slippery under foot, that hid from him the landscape he traversed, and that covered over

1. The base of a tree left after the trunk is cut down.
2. A remnant or remaining part of something removed or broken.

to fight. He turned his head and blinked at the men who shouted, at the same time wagging his stump of a tail good-naturedly. He was not afraid, but merely lazy. Besides, it did not seem to him

1. Cut or wounded with a sharp object.
2. Reduced or decreased significantly.

living flesh, was no more than so much meat, a quest of ravenous animals, to be torn and slashed by their hungry fangs, to be sustenance to them as the moose and the rabbit had often been

1. A person who drives a dog sled, especially in races or expeditions.
2. A person who encourages or urges others to move faster, often in a playful or competitive context.

over to look at White Fang. “Matt, how much is a good sled-dog worth?” Scott asked. The dog-musher, still on his knees and stooped over White Fang, calculated for a moment. “Three hundred

1. A card game similar to basset, played with a full deck and a betting layout.
2. A lighthouse, especially in Spanish or Italian contexts.

his shoving and wedging with the revolver muzzle. “I said don’t break them teeth,” the faro-dealer repeated more ominously than before. But if it was a bluff he intended, it did not work.

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.

idea that had come to him. He extended the fire into a large circle. Inside this circle he crouched, his sleeping outfit under him as a protection against the melting snow. When he had thus

1. Made a low, rough sound, often in anger or irritation.
2. Spoke in a deep, harsh voice.

see the way of her feet before her. At such times her running mates flashed their teeth and growled threateningly across at each other. They might have fought, but even wooing and its rivalry

1. Gently touching or stroking in a loving or affectionate way.
2. A soft, tender gesture showing care or fondness.

know his mother—a fount of warmth and liquid food and tenderness. She possessed a gentle, caressing tongue that soothed him when it passed over his soft little body, and that impelled him to

1. Crying noisily with gasps or heaving breaths.
2. The act of making loud, convulsive sounds while weeping.

suspicion was allayed. He nodded cheerfully. In the silence that followed, the low, half-sobbing whine was heard at the door and then the long, questing sniff. “There’s no denyin’ he thinks a

1. A narrow bed, often stacked in tiers (e.g., in a dormitory or ship).
2. Nonsense or falsehood (slang).

time you went away, I wouldn’t wonder this time but what he died.” The blankets in the other bunk stirred irritably. “Oh, shut up!” Scott cried out through the darkness. “You nag worse than a

1. A movable walkway used for boarding or leaving a ship.
2. A narrow plank serving as a temporary bridge or walkway.

I mean. Here’s your bandana. I’ll write to you about him.” Matt paused halfway down the gangplank. “He’ll never stand the climate!” he shouted back. “Unless you clip ’m in warm weather!” The

1. A breed of herding dog originating from Scotland, known for its intelligence and long, flowing coat.
2. A medium to large-sized dog often used for farm work and as a family pet.

but to no purpose. She remained always between him and the way he wanted to go. “Here, Collie!” called the strange man in the carriage. Weedon Scott laughed. “Never mind, father. It is good

1. A breed of dog used for hunting, known for its keen sense of smell or speed.
2. To pursue relentlessly or harass persistently.

a deerhound rushing upon him. White Fang tried to face it. But he was going too fast, and the hound was too close. It struck him on the side; and such was his forward momentum and the

1. A mountain range with a jagged or irregular profile.
2. A Spanish word meaning "saw," often used to describe serrated mountain ranges.

had belonged to Grey Beaver, sharing his food, his fire, and his blankets, so now, at Sierra Vista, belonged to the love-master all the denizens of the house. But in this matter there was a

1. A pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening.
2. A mental view or prospect of a series of remembered or anticipated events.

had belonged to Grey Beaver, sharing his food, his fire, and his blankets, so now, at Sierra Vista, belonged to the love-master all the denizens of the house. But in this matter there was a

1. The folded or turned-back end of a sleeve.
2. A band or ring around the wrist, often decorative.

When Weedon and Maud had first approached him, he growled warningly and looked malignant. A cuff from the master and a sharp word had then compelled him to permit their caresses, though he

1. A person who cares for horses or maintains their appearance.
2. A man about to be married or recently married.

flinching, he took a second cut in his forward rush, and as he leaped for the throat the groom cried out, “My God!” and staggered backward. He dropped the whip and shielded his throat with his

1. Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.
2. Characterized by nobility or elegance in appearance or behavior.

At first he was dignified, and the master laughed the harder. Then he tried to be more dignified, and the master laughed harder than before. In the end, the master laughed him out of his

1. To play or frolic in a lively, energetic way.
2. A lively, playful, or carefree activity.

tasted, and smelled. He knew his two brothers and his two sisters very well. He had begun to romp with them in a feeble, awkward way, and even to squabble, his little throat vibrating with a

1. A deep, rough sound made by an animal, like a dog or bear.
2. A low, rumbling noise resembling an animal's growl.

he took delight in the smell of burning flesh and hair, he watched her shaking her head and growling wrathfully a score of feet away. But this time, before he dozed again, he tied a burning