Chapter XX · Prison Life at Dartmoor.--Reminiscences of

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

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

(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 I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

any thing at all

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

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

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

plural of “beggar” — a pauper who lives by begging

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

of short duration or distance

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

the act of giving

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

the head of a state government

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

prudent

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

past form of “handcuff” — confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

only a very short time before

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

a person of great ability and ambition

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

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

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

an instinctive motive

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

metal shackles; for hands or legs

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

any soft or soggy mass

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

not any; not one

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

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

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

plural of “parole” — a promise

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

almost; nearly

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

Identical; not different.

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

morally wholesome or acceptable

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

lacking in magnitude or quantity

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

carry out

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

in or at that place or location

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

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

From this reading PRIVATEERING.--ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROSSIE, HIGHFLIER, GOVERNOR TOMPKINS, AND OTHERS.--I AM SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S OFFICE.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

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

From this reading Then we were drawn up in line, the officers I mean, and offered the choice of giving our paroles not to escape and marching under a light guard, or being placed under a strong guard and handcuffed if we declined the paroles.

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

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

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

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hardly were the birds out of their nests or down from their roosts in the morning, before we were roused and served with a scanty breakfast of tea, mush, and bread, with a piece of meat that was anything but tender or savory.

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

From this reading "I'll take my chances of getting away," said Haines, "and won't give the beggars any promise."

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

From this reading I had the same impulse; but a brief reflection showed me that in irons and strongly guarded, there would be practically no chance at all of escaping.