Chapter II

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

(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 The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

plural of “clean” — a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

a state at a particular time

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

worn and broken down by hard use

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

give a description of

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

not still wet

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

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

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

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

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

a short coat

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

a tight sleeveless and collarless jacket (often made of leather) worn by men in former times

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

and nothing more

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

a human being

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

on the contrary

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

something left after other parts have been taken away

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

delivered from danger

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

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

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

carry out

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

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

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

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

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

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

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

at the time that

From this reading ALF CLEANS HIS BUTTONS When the battalion moved out of the line the appearance of Private Higgins could not be described as smart.

in or at the place that

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

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

From this reading Higgins did not spend the remainder of his tour of duty in the condition of indecorous discomfort in which he was hauled from the Glue-Pot.

which person or people

From this reading The only person who attempted to describe it at all was the company sergeant-major; he did it rather well.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On crawling out of his shell-hole, he first rescued his trousers with some difficulty from inside his derelict thigh-boots, and then made his way to the dressing-station--a large dug-out--where he was dried and his torn jacket was roughly repaired.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For the rest of his time he wore the felt-lined leather jerkin which he had forgotten to take with him on his former adventure; but as luck would have it he was not required on any further errand.