Chapter II

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

state capital of West Virginia in the central part of the state on the Kanawha river

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

the organ of sight

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

highest in quality

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

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

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

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

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

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 HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

below the surround or below the normal position

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

make imperfect

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

the force of workers available

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

breathing heavily (as after exertion)

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

plural of “regiment” — army unit smaller than a division

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

someone skilled at fencing

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

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

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

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

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

push forcefully

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

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

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

male cat

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

the act of using

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

precisely as stated

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

a combatant who is able to defeat rivals

From this reading HOW TOM DEERING MADE A NAME TOM DEERING and Monsieur Victor St. Mar, late of the French army, lowered the small swords and stood panting and smiling at each other, in the orchard one afternoon, not long afterward.

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

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

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

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

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

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Praise from the French soldier was praise indeed, for he had been a master of the sword in the regiments of King Louis, among which were the greatest swordsmen in the world.

a late time of life

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He had paused for a time at Charleston on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia; and during his stay he taught the use of his favorite weapon to the young men of the city.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You grow proficient,” said St. Mar in very good English, considering that he had been in the colonies but a few years, “your guard is excellent and your thrust, monsieur, is growing formidable.”

possessive form of “youth” — a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading Tom was the youngest and most apt of his pupils; the youth’s strength, length of arm and sureness of eye made him a natural swordsman.