used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
the two together, not just one
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading IN THE CAMP.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
ConradnounUS /ˈkɑːnræd/
English novelist (born in Poland) noted for sea stories and for his narrative technique (1857-1924)
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
defendverbUS /dɪˈfend/
argue or speak in defense of
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
despondentadjectiveUS /dɪˈspɑːndənt/
without or almost without hope
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
dreadingverbUS /ˈdredɪŋ/
-ing form of “dread” — be afraid or scared of; be frightened of
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
emigrantnounUS /ˈeməɡrənt/
someone who leaves one country to settle in another
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
emigrantsnounUS /ˈeməɡrənts/
plural of “emigrant” — someone who leaves one country to settle in another
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
encampmentnounUS /ɪnˈkæmpmɪnt/
a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
at any time
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
faredverbUS /ferd/
past form of “fare” — proceed or get along
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
foesnounUS /foʊz/
plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
fortificationsnounUS /ˌfɔːrtəfəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “fortification” — defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
frontiernounUS /frənˈtɪr/
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
depressingly dark
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
homesnounUS /hoʊmz/
plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
impromptunounUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːmptuː/
an extemporaneous speech or remark
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE CAMP.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
something that is lost
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
the force of workers available
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
not any; not one
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
not one, and not any
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
try to get or reach
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
settlersnounUS /ˈsetlərz/
plural of “settler” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE CAMP.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
in or at that place or location
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
untoprepositionUS /ˈʌntuː/
an old word for “to”
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Let us go back a little to see how the settlers had fared.
warmingadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːrmɪŋ/
imparting heat
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
at the time that
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading When night had settled down upon the emigrant encampment, there were a number of gloomy faces around the impromptu fortifications, and many, both men and women, were sorry that they had ever left their old homes in the Eastern country to seek new ones on the frontier.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading At length the Indians began the attack; and, warming to their work, the emigrants grew less and less despondent, especially after they had several times driven back their red foes with considerable loss, and with no serious result to themselves.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet, though gloomy, and dreading evil, they were none the less determined to defend their lives and families unto the bitter end, and Major Conrad was glad to see that he could depend upon his command as brave men.
