used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
AfghansnounUS /ˈæfɡænz/
plural of “afghan” — a blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares; sometimes used as a shawl
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
Atherton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
cavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/
troops trained to fight on horseback
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
defileverb
place under suspicion or cast doubt upon
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
divisionsnounUS /dɪˈvɪʒənz/
plural of “division” — an army unit large enough to sustain combat
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
escortnounUS /eˈskɔːrt/
someone who escorts and protects a prominent person
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
divisible by two
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
exchangingverbUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “exchange” — give to, and receive from, one another
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
Forrester's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
gorgeverbUS /ɡɔːrdʒ/
overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
most important element
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
go across or through
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
pursuersnounUS /pərˈsuːərz/
plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
scrimmagenounUS /ˈskrɪmɪdʒ/
(American football) practice play between a football team's squads
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
tacticsnounUS /ˈtæktɪks/
the branch of military science dealing with detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives set by strategy
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
troopnounUS /truːp/
a group of soldiers
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Following their usual tactics, the Afghans, after exchanging shots at the entrance of the pass, had turned tail and dashed through the defile, with the English at their heels.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The cavalry, meanwhile, with Major Atherton at their head, were already engaged in a hot scrimmage.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The guns, with Captain Forrester's troop as escort, dashed forward to hold the defile; while the main body, divided into two divisions--one to follow the guns, the other to reach the plain above by a nearer pass--started forward into action.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.
but in spite of that
From this reading Then, suddenly turning as they reached the plain beyond, they faced round on their pursuers, not yet clear of the rocky gorge.
