Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

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

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

increase twofold

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

plural of “encounter” — a minor short-term fight

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

an opposing military force

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

communicated in words

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

having lost your job

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

destroyed or killed

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

informal terms for objecting

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

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

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

being in captivity

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

plural of “marauder” — someone who attacks in search of booty

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

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

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

above and across; more than

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

-ing form of “realize” — be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

cut with a saw

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

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

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

not in physical motion

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

confined on all sides

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

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

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Deck began to think he had spent time enough over the affair; and he was in a hurry to return to the Millersville Road.

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

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

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

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

the topmost one of two

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

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

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

look attentively

From this reading The captain was conducted into the sitting-room, and a man was placed at the door to keep watch of him.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

at the time that

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious

From this reading But he was harmless by this time; as Win expressed it, "the fun had all gone out of him."

in the company of; together with

From this reading LIEUTENANT LYON ENCOUNTERS ANOTHER ENEMY Surrounded by double their own number of soldiers, armed with the best weapons, the marauders imprisoned in the upper story of the mansion could not help realizing that their situation was hopeless.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading They had not offered to come to the assistance of Captain Coonly when he was in the gripe of the stalwart sergeant; for the carbines of the cavalrymen still covered them, and they saw that they would be shot down if they attempted to descend the stairs without orders, or fired upon their assailants in the hall.