used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
(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 Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading ANOTHER VISITOR The dawn!
move towards
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
arrowsnounUS /ˈæroʊz/
plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
attacksnounUS /əˈtæks/
plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
broadenedverbUS /ˈbrɔːdənd/
past form of “broaden” — make broader
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
give encouragement to
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
unvarying in nature
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
the first light of day
From this reading ANOTHER VISITOR The dawn!
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
defendersnounUS /dɪˈfendərz/
plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
apart from; not including
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
flamingadjectiveUS /ˈfleɪmɪŋ/
informal intensifiers
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
fognounUS /fɑːɡ/
droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
frailes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
hailingverbUS /ˈheɪlɪŋ/
-ing form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
hostiles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
engage in
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
musketnounUS /ˈmʌskət/
a muzzle-loading shoulder gun with a long barrel; formerly used by infantrymen
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
not any; not one
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
pattering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
move stealthily
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
slugsnounUS /slʌɡz/
plural of “slug” — a projectile that is fired from a gun
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
not in physical motion
From this reading As the day broadened and the fog began to lift a constant pattering of musket slugs beat against the walls, and flaming arrows were still being discharged.
streaknounUS /striːk/
an unbroken series of events
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ANOTHER VISITOR The dawn!
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Now they could be observed easily on every side, and an open charge could be met by a concentrated defence.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
troopernounUS /ˈtruːpər/
a soldier in a motorized army unit
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
unnoticedadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊtɪst/
not noticed
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
someone who visits
From this reading ANOTHER VISITOR The dawn!
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
at the time that
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Some trooper started the cheer when the first faint red streak began to show through the fog, and the others took it up, until all the defenders at the mission were hailing the day except the frailes busy with their prayers.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The dawn meant that no more could the hostiles approach under cover of darkness, make unexpected attacks in certain quarters, or slip up unnoticed until within a few feet of the walls.
