Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

(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 From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

the western part of the Appalachian Mountains; extending from northern Pennsylvania to southwestern Virginia

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

plural of “blockhouse” — a stronghold that is reinforced for protection from enemy fire; with apertures for defensive fire

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

the business of a butcher

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

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

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

English general; son of George II; fought unsuccessfully in the battle of Fontenoy (1721-1765)

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

avoiding emotional involvement

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

making light of

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

showing lack of favoritism

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

plural of “incursion” — the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

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

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

-ing form of “maintain” — cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

engage in

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

the force of workers available

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

not any; not one

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

the local environment

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

cause to move back by force or influence

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

plural of “settler” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

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

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

a lightweight cord

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By the first of September his arrangements had been completed, but long before that time it was evident the task was to be no easy one.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

a message informing of danger

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

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

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

a city in southern England; administrative center of Hampshire

From this reading A WARNING FROM THE FOREST It was at Winchester that Colonel Washington established his headquarters, maintaining a detachment at Fort Cumberland sufficient to repel any attack the Indians were like to make against it, and to cut off such of their war parties as ventured east of it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The unbounded forest, which covered hill and valley with a curtain of unbroken foliage, afforded a thousand lurking-places, and it was well-nigh impossible for an armed force to get within striking distance of the marauders.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Already, from the high passes of the Alleghenies, war parties of Delawares and Shawanoes had descended, sweeping down upon the frontier families like a devastating whirlwind, and butchering men, women, and children with impartial fury.

a late time of life

From this reading From Winchester he was able more easily to keep in touch with all parts of the frontier, and with the string of blockhouses which had been built years before as a gathering-place for the settlers in the event of Indian incursions.