used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
adequateadjectiveUS /ˈædəkwət/
having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
(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 Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
block-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
bruntnounUS /brʌnt/
main force of a blow etc
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
divisible by two
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
to certain extent or degree
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
garrisonnounUS /ˈɡærɪsən/
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
impossibilitynounUS /ˌɪmpɔːsɪˈbɪlɪti/
incapability of existing or occurring
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
ineffectiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnɪˈfektɪv/
not producing an intended effect
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
immediately past
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
lossesnounUS /ˈlɔːsəz/
something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
most important element
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the force of workers available
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
not any; not one
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
and nothing more
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
on the contrary
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
renderingnounUS /ˈrendərɪŋ/
a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
severelyadverbUS /səˈvɪrli/
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
be standing; be upright
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
sub-officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
sustainedadjectiveUS /səˈsteɪnd/
maintained at length without interruption or weakening
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
soldiers collectively
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
twenty-twonounUS /ˈtwentituː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-one and one
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
unscathedadjectiveUS /ənˈskeɪðd/
not injured or harmed
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading With a more desperate and better sustained attack upon more exhausted troops, might not the Chinese fairly hope for complete success?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Even with the full number of rifles allowed to it the block-house might be taken--taken, that is, in the event of the death or the rendering ineffective of all its men, and that this was by no means an impossibility was proved by the losses in the last fight.
withdrawnadjectiveUS /wɪθˈdrɔːn/
withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was quite evident that the block-house would have to stand the brunt of the attack this time as before.
people who are wounded
From this reading Out of twenty-two sub-officers and men only seven were unscathed, and of the others three were slightly, five severely, wounded, and seven killed.
but in spite of that
From this reading Now we were rather weak in numbers for the adequate defence of the main position, yet not a single man could be withdrawn from the little garrison of the outside post.
