Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

in addition

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

disposed to attack

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

plural of “barbarian” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading Cornelius quickly turned and looked towards the east.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

(often used in combination) having a specified direction

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Cornelius quickly turned and looked towards the east.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

being ten more than seventy

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

an opposing military force

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

obtain

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

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

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

with strained or eager attention

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

immediately past

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Cornelius quickly turned and looked towards the east.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

the force of workers available

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

not any; not one

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

held or filled or in use

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

and nothing more

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

with speed

From this reading Cornelius quickly turned and looked towards the east.

plural of “rampart” — an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

precisely, exactly

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

not in physical motion

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

wander from a direct or straight course

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

in the direction of

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

create by training and teaching

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

inflected form of “trot” — run at a moderately swift pace

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Cornelius quickly turned and looked towards the east.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading Meanwhile the straggle outside the gates was being decided.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The eyes of the people on the ramparts and of the attacking party were directed intently towards this enemy in the _west_.

at the time that

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

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

From this reading When the bridge was reached Severus ordered a small opening to be made in the barricade, through which only two men at a time could gain the left bank, and now, as the two last of the long train of burghers passed through--the bridge was still occupied by its original garrison--there sounded from the hills of the eastern forest, from the _right_ bank, the piercing cry of the black eagle.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The barbarians some eighty horsemen, had several times approached the river, but never within bow-shot; they had also trotted towards the blockaded bridge, but had made no attack on that strong position.