used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
in actual fact
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
alliesnounUS /ˈælaɪz/
the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
the month following March and preceding May
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
being joined in close association
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
BarracksnounUS /ˈbærəks/
plural of “barrack” — a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
battalionnounUS /bəˈtæljən/
an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
Bosphorus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
uttered without voice
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
BrigadenounUS /brəˈɡeɪd/
army unit smaller than a division
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
contendingverbUS /kənˈtendɪŋ/
-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
countriesnounUS /ˈkʌntriz/
plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
CrimeanounUS /kraɪˈmiːə/
a Ukrainian peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
Devenish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
diplomacynounUS /dɪˈploʊməsi/
negotiation between nations
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
DRUMnounUS /drʌm/
a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
earnedadjectiveUS /ɜːrnd/
gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
divisible by two
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
exemplifiedverbUS /ɪɡˈzempləfaɪd/
inflected form of “exemplify” — be characteristic of
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
functionsnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
plural of “function” — (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
GuardsnounUS /ɡɑːrdz/
plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
Half-heartedadjectiveUS /ˈhæfhɑːrtɪd/
feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
haltingadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/
disabled in the feet or legs
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
hostilitiesnounUS /hɑːˈstɪlətiz/
fighting; acts of overt warfare
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
imbroglionounUS /ˌɪmˈbroʊljoʊ/
an intricate and confusing interpersonal or political situation
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
ineffectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəˈfektʃuːəl/
not producing an intended effect
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
invasionnounUS /ˌɪnˈveɪʒən/
the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
MaltanounUS /ˈmɔːltə/
a republic on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
having official authority or sanction
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
provisionallyadverbUS /prəˈvɪʒənəli/
temporarily and conditionally
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
one of four equal parts
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
not used up
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
restoredverbUS /rɪˈstɔːrd/
past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
RussianounUS /ˈrʌʃə/
a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
only a very short time before
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
Scutari
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
not in physical motion
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
unfeignedlyadverb
with sincerity; without pretense
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Half-hearted hostilities there had been for months; but a halting diplomacy had not altogether abandoned its ineffectual functions, and even at the latter end of April a hope was breathed from the highest quarter that peace might still be restored between the contending countries.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But the Brigade of Guards was actually on its way from Malta to Scutari.
WellingtonnounUS /ˈwelɪŋtən/
British general and statesman; he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852)
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
which person or people
From this reading The uncertainty in the official mind was exemplified in the case of Captain Devenish, who, though unfeignedly eager to join his fortunate battalion on the Bosphorus, was provisionally attached to one of those remaining at Wellington Barracks.
in the company of; together with
From this reading BEAT OF DRUM The imbroglio with Russia had at this time scarcely earned the name of war.
but in spite of that
From this reading Little as yet was heard of the Crimea, much less of its invasion by the allies.
