used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
acted upon; influenced
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
amusingadjectiveUS /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/
providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
move towards
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the act of breaking something
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
CavalrynounUS /ˈkævəlri/
troops trained to fight on horseback
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
clinkverbUS /klɪŋk/
make a high sound typical of glass
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading What could this mean?
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
exciteverbUS /ɪkˈsaɪt/
arouse or elicit a feeling
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
haltverbUS /hɔːlt/
cause to stop
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
Heart-rending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
horsemennounUS /ˈhɔːrsmən/
plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
InhumanadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhjuːmən/
without compunction or human feeling
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading What could this mean?
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
a particular point in time
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
RopesnounUS /roʊps/
plural of “rope” — a strong line
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
cut with a saw
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
ScaffoldnounUS /ˈskæfəld/
a platform from which criminals are executed (hanged or beheaded)
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
SeparationnounUS /ˌsepərˈeɪʃən/
the state of lacking unity
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
in the near future
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
stairwaynounUS /ˈsterweɪ/
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
surroundverbUS /sərˈaʊnd/
extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
SurvivorsnounUS /sərˈvaɪvərz/
plural of “survivor” — one who lives through affliction
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
SuspensenounUS /səˈspens/
apprehension about what is going to happen
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
swordsnounUS /sɔːrdz/
plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
carry out
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
a special situation
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
TragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading Cavalry Approach--Seven Removed from the Room--Suspense--Sentence of Death--Heart-rending Separation--Death and the Future--Not Prepared--Inhuman Haste--The Tragedy--Speech on the Scaffold--Breaking Ropes--Enemies Affected--Gloom of Survivors--Prayer.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading A moment after, the clink of the officers' swords was heard as they ascended the stairway, and we knew that something unusual was about to take place.
precisely as stated
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This did not at first excite any attention, for it was a common thing to see bodies of horsemen in the streets; but soon we observed them halt at our gate, and surround the prison.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What could this mean?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
in the company of; together with
From this reading One day while we were very merry, amusing ourselves with games and stories, we saw a squadron of cavalry approaching.
