Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

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

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

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 THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

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

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

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

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

an opposing military force

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

causing awareness of your shortcomings

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

without doubting or questioning

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

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

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

a disorderly crowd of people

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

past form of “obey” — be obedient to

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

occurring from time to time

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

inflected form of “pen” — produce a literary work

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

be a mystery or bewildering to

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

on the contrary

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

a male human offspring

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading They could plainly see the little force of Captain Deck in the rear of the enemy, and realized that it prevented the ruffians from running away, as they had done on the new road.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

not having or belonging to a structured whole

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading THE HUMILIATING RETREAT OF THE RUFFIANS The situation on the rising ground was a puzzle to Colonel Belthorpe and his companions.

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

From this reading The negroes from the new road were coming in all the time; but Uncle Dave had been studying the situation as well as his master, and his flock obeyed him as implicitly as they did the colonel himself.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

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

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The commander was inclined to laugh; for taking into account the fury with which the mob had followed up their purpose, it was rather ludicrous to see them penned in, as it were, on the hill.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading As it was the policy of Major Lyon and his son to kill or wound as few as possible of the ruffians, the firing had entirely ceased on the part of the defenders, though an occasional shot came from the unorganized mob.