Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

later than; following

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

(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 It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

the condition of living or the state of being alive

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

plural of “battery” — group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

full of energetic and noisy activity

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

put or send forth

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

traveling across

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

avoiding emotional involvement

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

torn down and broken up

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

come together

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

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

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

shallow enough to be crossed by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

a fortified defensive structure

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

plural of “guerilla” — a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

immediately past

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

go away from a place

From this reading THE LEAVE.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

be about

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

on one occasion

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

go across or through

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

plural of “pillager” — someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

on the contrary

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

comparative of “rude” — socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

Identical; not different.

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

plural of “sentinel” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

not in physical motion

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was but a few hours that I had stood almost on the same spot, and yet how altered was all around.

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

From this reading THE LEAVE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

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

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

in the direction of

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Here I turned once more to cast a last and farewell look at the scene of our late encounter.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

-ing form of “wend” — direct one's course or way

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

in or at the place that

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

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

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The wide plain, then bustling with all the life and animation of a large army, was now nearly deserted,--some dismounted guns, some broken-up, dismantled batteries, around which a few sentinels seemed to loiter rather than to keep guard; a strong detachment of infantry could be seen wending their way towards the fortress, and a confused mass of camp-followers, sutlers, and peasants following their steps for protection against the pillagers and the still ruder assaults of their own Guerillas.

but in spite of that

From this reading After an hour's sharp riding we reached the Aguada, where the river was yet fordable; crossing this, we mounted the Sierra by a narrow and winding pass which leads through the mountains towards Almeida.