used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
anew
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
eagerly desirous
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
bewilderedadjectiveUS /bɪˈwɪldərd/
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
captainsnounUS /ˈkæptənz/
plural of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
challengedverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒd/
past form of “challenge” — take exception to
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
companiesnounUS /ˈkʌmpəniːz/
plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
culpritsnounUS /ˈkʌlprɪts/
plural of “culprit” — someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
dining-hallnoun
a large room at a college or university; used especially for dining
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
dress-parade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
drill-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
FishernounUS /ˈfɪʃər/
someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
floor-guards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
set up or found
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
the act of departing
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
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 Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
go away from a place
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
past form of “march” — march in a procession
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
something you have to do
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
quartermaster-sergeants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
respectiveadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪv/
considered individually
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
roll-call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
in the near future
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
sprungverbUS /sprʌŋ/
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
superintendentnounUS /ˌsuːpərənˈtendənt/
a person who directs and manages an organization
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
male cat
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
at the time that
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
in or at the place that
From this reading On ordinary occasions the quartermaster-sergeants marched their respective companies to and from the dining-hall; but on this particular morning the captains took command and led them to the drill-room, where they were drawn up in line as they were when preparing for dress-parade.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Of course they knew that a party of their fellows had been challenged while they were attempting to run the guard, and they were impatient to learn who they were, and what the superintendent was going to do about it.
which person or people
From this reading It was an eager and anxious lot of boys who answered to roll-call the next morning.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Two things astonished and bewildered them: They could not imagine how the culprits had managed to leave the building and get back again so easily, and neither could they understand why the officer of the day had neglected to question the floor-guards.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They believed, with Tom Fisher, that something new was to be “sprung” on them; and as soon as breakfast was over, they found out what it was.
