used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
cadetsnounUS /kəˈdets/
plural of “cadet” — a military trainee (as at a military academy)
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
campaignnounUS /kæmˈpeɪn/
a race between candidates for elective office
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
columnnounUS /ˈkɑːləm/
a line of units following one after another
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
dustyadjectiveUS /ˈdʌsti/
covered with a layer of dust
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
fightersnounUS /ˈfaɪtərz/
plural of “fighter” — someone who fights (or is fighting)
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
flannelnounUS /ˈflænəl/
a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
fortificationsnounUS /ˌfɔːrtəfəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “fortification” — defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
hatsnounUS /hæts/
plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
the act of departing
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
leggingsnounUS /ˈleɡɪŋz/
plural of “legging” — a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
McAneny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
the force of workers available
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
paradenounUS /pərˈeɪd/
a ceremonial procession including people marching
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
on the contrary
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
reconnaissancenounUS /riˈkɑːnəsəns/
the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy)
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
russetnounUS /ˈrʌsɪt/
a reddish brown homespun fabric
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
shirtsnounUS /ʃɜːrts/
plural of “shirt” — a garment worn on the upper half of the body
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
a particular situation
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/
restricted to something
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
toilers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
in the direction of
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The column was under arms, as though the cadets had been engaged in target practice or out on a reconnaissance.
which person or people
From this reading Their appearance was not that of soldiers on parade, but of the grim toilers and fighters who serve in the field.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Their work that morning had, in fact, been strictly in line with labor, for the young men, under Captain McAneny, had been engaged in the study of field fortifications.
an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
From this reading Leaving the road that wound by the officers' quarters at the north end, turning on to the road that passed the hotel, a hot, somewhat tired and rather dusty column of cadets swung along towards their tents in the distance.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The young men wore russet shoes, gray trousers and leggings, gray flannel shirts and soft campaign hats.
