Entries explained

Dictionary entries typically consist of a headword (in bold), a part of speech, and a definition.

In the above entry for bakoa, the part of speech is given as "a." (adjective). Byington is extremely thorough in listing alternative translations of each Choctaw word. Three example sentences with translations are given above. At the end is a cross-reference to an alternative spelling.

In the following entry, the abbreviations "sing." (for singular) and "pl." (for plural) help describe usage.

The cross-reference in the above entry to akama is to a related verb form. Byington often refers to examples in the Bible to support specific translations. These citations are sometimes to older versions of the Choctaw Bible, however.