Chapter VI · Chapter 6

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

the act of subjecting to strong attack

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

any of various naturally occurring impure mixtures of hydrocarbons

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

shining intensely

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

the act of constructing something

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

not still wet

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

divisible by two

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

start firing a weapon

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

impossible to resist; overpowering

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

plural of “jew” — a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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 The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

plural of “legion” — archaic terms for army

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

something you have to do

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

a sudden and severe onset of trouble

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

plural of “palisade” — fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

past form of “pound” — hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

strike or drive against with a heavy impact

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

become much greater in intensity or size or amount

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

precisely, exactly

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

a New Testament book containing an exposition of the doctrines of Saint Paul; written in AD 58

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

witty remark

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

possessing sweep

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

a tenth part; one part in ten equal parts

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

plural of “torch” — a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading As on previous occasions, their onslaught was irresistible.

plural of “wattle” — a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading All the engines and breastworks of the Fifth and Tenth Legions were entirely consumed.

at the time that

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

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

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

belonging to which person

From this reading The Roman soldiers--seeing the wall of Jotapata tremble beneath the blows of the battering ram, whose iron head pounded to powder the stones against which it struck--redoubled their efforts when, suddenly, from three sally ports which they had prepared, the Jews burst out; carrying their weapons in their right hands, and blazing torches in their left.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

work made of wood; especially moldings or stairways or furniture

From this reading They swept the Romans before them; and set fire to the engines, the wattles, and the palisades, and even to the woodwork of the embankment.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading The timber had by this time dried and, as bitumen and pitch had been used as cement in the construction of the works, the flames spread with great rapidity; and the work of many days was destroyed, in an hour.