Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

later than; following

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

with competence; in a competent capable manner

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

plural of “army” — a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

at or toward the back of something

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

not characterized by emotion

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

one or the other of two

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

at any time

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

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

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here the remorseless sharpshooters lay.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

plural of “hunter” — someone who hunts game

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Here the remorseless sharpshooters lay.

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 Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

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 THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

attach a tag or label to

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

not caught with the senses or the mind

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

not any; not one

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

without mercy or pity

From this reading Here the remorseless sharpshooters lay.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

plural of “sharpshooter” — an athlete noted for accurate aim

From this reading Here the remorseless sharpshooters lay.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

wet through and through; thoroughly wet

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

the rays of the sun

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

a special situation

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

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

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

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

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

precisely as stated

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

(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 Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

at the time that

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.

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

From this reading If ever there was a "No Man's Land," it was the space between the two armies which had aptly been called the "Plain of Death."

which person or people

From this reading Any one who ventured upon it thought very little of this life, and it was well that he should, as he had little of it left to think about.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading Human life had become a little thing, and after a difficult shot they exchanged remarks as hunters do when they kill a bird on the wing.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading THE FALL OF RICHMOND Two long lines of earthworks faced each other across a sodden field; overhead a chilly sky let fall a chilly rain; behind the low ridges of earth two armies faced each other, and whether in rain or in sunshine, no head rose above either wall without becoming an instant mark for a rifle that never missed.