used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
accordancenounUS /əˈkɔːrdəns/
concurrence of opinion
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
adequateadjectiveUS /ˈædəkwət/
having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
anew
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
appreciateverbUS /əˈpriːʃieɪt/
recognize with gratitude; be grateful for
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
Belthorpe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
continuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəs/
continuing in time or space without interruption
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
devoidadjectiveUS /dɪˈvɔɪd/
completely wanting or lacking
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
disciplinenounUS /ˈdɪsəplən/
a branch of knowledge
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
let fall to the ground
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
an opposing military force
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
estimatenounUS /ˈestəmət/
an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
start firing a weapon
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
only a very short time before
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
LyonnounUS /ˈlaɪən/
a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
manifestverbUS /ˈmænəfest/
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
mobnounUS /mɑːb/
a disorderly crowd of people
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
negroesnounUS /ˈniːɡroʊz/
plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
organizedadjectiveUS /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd/
formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
pourverbUS /pɔːr/
cause to run
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
randomadjectiveUS /ˈrændəm/
lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
restivenessnounUS /ˈrestɪvnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
revelationnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃən/
the speech act of making something evident
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
ruffians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/
an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
be standing; be upright
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
TitusnounUS /ˈtaɪtəs/
a Greek disciple and helper of Saint Paul
From this reading Titus Lyon was not a military man, and he did not appear to appreciate the advantage of order in the handling of his force.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
UNEXPLAINEDadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd/
not explained
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
untrainedadjectiveUS /ənˈtreɪnd/
not disciplined or conditioned or made adept by training
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
precisely as stated
From this reading It is true that the negroes that confronted him were not organized to any adequate extent for military purposes, though the little training Colonel Belthorpe had given them on the bridge had been of very great service to them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
weaponsnounUS /ˈwepənz/
plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading AN UNEXPLAINED GATHERING ON THE ROAD The ruffians were a mere mob, entirely devoid of any semblance of discipline; and it was again made manifest that they could not stand up against a continuous fire such as the mounted boys and those on foot were beginning to pour into them, scattered though it was at first by the restiveness of the untrained horses.
at the time that
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
a Caucasian
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was absolutely astonishing to the commander that the boys did not drop their weapons and run when the random shots from the enemy were discharged at them; for this idea was in accordance with his estimate of negro character.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was a new revelation to him, the manner in which the men conducted themselves under fire, hurried as they had been, without any training, into the ranks; and the same number of white men of average ability could hardly have done better under similar circumstances.
