used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
congratulatedverbUS /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪd/
past form of “congratulate” — say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
cyclistsnounUS /ˈsaɪkəlɪsts/
plural of “cyclist” — a person who rides a bicycle
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
D'ALTA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
dismounting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/
inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
start firing a weapon
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
grippedverbUS /ɡrɪpt/
inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
JUAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
occurring by chance
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
machinesnounUS /məˈʃiːnz/
plural of “machine” — any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
magazinesnounUS /ˈmæɡəziːnz/
plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
Nivel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
not any; not one
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
positionsnounUS /pəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
past form of “rejoin” — join again
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
robbersnounUS /ˈrɒb.ərz/
Persons who steal from a person or place, especially using violence or threats.
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
saddlesnounUS /ˈsædəlz/
plural of “saddle” — a seat for the rider of a horse or other animal
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
cut with a saw
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
in the near future
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading I saw several saddles emptied as they turned and rode off.
unstrapped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A few minutes after St. Nivel and his friends rejoined us.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
at the time that
From this reading "That was a lucky thought of mine," he said, laughing, when he had gripped my hand and congratulated me on our escape.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading DON JUAN D'ALTA No sooner had we passed through the cyclists than they formed across the road and, dismounting, took up positions behind any cover which they discovered in the rough ground.
in the company of; together with
From this reading To my astonishment they unstrapped rifles from their machines, and as soon as the robbers appeared in pursuit greeted them with a rapid fire evidently from magazines.
