Chapter IX · One Sword Against Five

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

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

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

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

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

dearly loved

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

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

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

an occurrence of something

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

one or the other of two

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

presently existing

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

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

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

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

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

impart knowledge of some fact, state of affairs, or event to

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

the quality of being loyal

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

not any; not one

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

for a short time

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

plural of “suspicion” — an impression that something might be the case

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

carry out

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

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

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

in or at that place or location

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

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

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

a crime that undermines the offender's government

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

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

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.

without a basis in reason or fact

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

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

From this reading The result of Boris's reflections was that he became suspicious and unhappy.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Should he inform the Tsar, and thus be the means of terrible trouble to the regiment of which he was a member, or allow matters to take their course in the hope that either his suspicions would prove unfounded, or that his companions might shortly see the iniquity of their ways, and return to full loyalty, as behoved true officers of the Tsar?

used to ask for information about something

From this reading If this should prove to be the case, he reflected, what course ought he to pursue?

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

From this reading Putting two and two together, he had concluded that there was something existing in the minds of his brother officers to which he was no party, and which he feared--though he hesitated to believe it--might be treason against his beloved master.

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

From this reading He felt that his position was a delicate and difficult one, and that it would be impossible for him to maintain it under present conditions.