Chapter II · The Tapping on the Dungeon Wall

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

the state of being absent

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

(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 We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

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

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

plural of “assault” — close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

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

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

one or the other of two

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

to come or go into

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

provide as food

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

a relatively small granular particle of a substance

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

a man skilled in equitation

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

plural of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

go away from a place

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

a large number or amount

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

plural of “meat” — the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

the force of workers available

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

not any; not one

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

(used especially of meats) preserved in salt

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

plural of “squire” — young nobleman attendant on a knight

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

be hungry; go without food

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

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

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

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

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

a physiological need to drink

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

an event that departs from expectations

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Carleton men hoped to starve us into submission.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

(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 A well of most sweet water in the courtyard had never been known to run dry; so we had little cause for fear of either hunger or thirst.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

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

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

at the time that

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

which person or people

From this reading As before, the siege went on, the sole variance being the absence of the gray-bearded horseman from the groups of knights and squires who made the circuit of the sentry-posts.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Days and weeks went by, and they made no further assaults, but so closely were the siege lines drawn that, without wings no creature could enter or leave the castle.

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

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading We smiled at this when we thought of the loads of grain and salted meats which had been brought into the storerooms in the first week of my father’s absence, and which would be enough to feed all our little garrison for a year.