used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
ACCUSATIONnounUS /ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən/
a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
benumbedadjective
lacking sensation
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
bloodlessadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdləs/
destitute of blood or apparently so
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
the lower side of anything
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
depletedadjectiveUS /dɪˈpliːtɪd/
no longer sufficient
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
draggingadjectiveUS /ˈdræɡɪŋ/
marked by a painfully slow and effortful manner
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
emptyingnounUS /ˈemptiɪŋ/
the act of removing the contents of something
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
an opposing military force
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived.
flownverbUS /floʊn/
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
fusilladenounUS /ˈfjuːsɪleɪd/
rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
graspingnounUS /ˈɡræspɪŋ/
understanding with difficulty
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
the quality of being humane
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
plural of “hundred” — ten 10s
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
loyaladjectiveUS /ˈlɔɪəl/
steadfast in allegiance or duty
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
musketrynoun
musketeers and their muskets collectively
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
O'Neil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
opposedadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzd/
being in opposition or having an opponent
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
peeredverbUS /pɪrd/
past form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
compacted by ironing
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
reservesnounUS /rɪˈzɜːrvz/
civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army
From this reading The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
rodnounUS /rɑːd/
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
stampingverbUS /ˈstæmpɪŋ/
-ing form of “stamp” — walk heavily
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
not in physical motion
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
swarmnounUS /swɔːrm/
a moving crowd
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
trapnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
trenchnounUS /trentʃ/
a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory.
belonging to which person
From this reading Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE ACCUSATION “Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and dragging them to the bottom of the trench.
