Chapter X

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

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

later than; following

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

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

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

English runner who in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes (born in 1929)

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

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

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

a difficult problem

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

a comic verse of irregular measure

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

inflected form of “eat” — take in solid food

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

a boy or man

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

cutlery used for serving and eating food

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

informal terms for a meal

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

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

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

only a very short time before

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

very hard unsalted biscuit or bread; a former ship's staple

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

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

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

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

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

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

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

and nothing more

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

engage in

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

a particular point in time

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

not any; not one

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

inspired by love for your country

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

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

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

meat from a domestic hog or pig

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

in the recent past

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

express in words

From this reading After a moment he called out:-- “Say, Bob, here’s a conundrum.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

with low volume

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

skills that are required for the life of soldier

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

the branch of military science dealing with detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives set by strategy

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

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

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

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

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

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

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading FIGHTING FOR THE FLAG For three days, Robert Barnwell Bannister had been a soldier of the United States.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

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

From this reading “Mud in the coffee and niggers in the pork, Lobskous salad to be eaten with a fork, Hardtack buns--oh, but soldiering is fun; Never mind the grub, boys, we’ll make the Johnnies run.”

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading On the evening of the third day he sat at the opening of his tent studying a small volume of infantry tactics which had fallen into his hands.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Inside the tent his comrade and tent-mate, a young fellow hardly older and no less patriotic and enthusiastic than himself, just in from two hours of picket-duty, lay resting on a rude board couch, with a block of wood and a coat for a pillow, singing softly to himself a rude bit of doggerel that had recently become popular in camp.