Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

with bitterness; in a resentful manner

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

a top worn by women

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

any of various types of cabbage

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

plural of “cabbage” — any of various types of cabbage

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

a clergyman ministering to some institution

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

unpaid labor (as for the maintenance of roads) required by a lord of his vassals in lieu of taxes

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

greatly pleased

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

well in the past; former

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

reason by deduction; establish by deduction

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

plural of “digger” — a laborer who digs

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

send away towards a designated goal

From this reading THE SECOND DISPATCH.

American breed of chicken having barred grey plumage raised for meat and brown eggs

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

inflected form of “don” — put clothing on one's body

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

an udder or breast or teat

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

an entrenched fortification; a position protected by trenches

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

divisible by two

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

apart from; not including

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

the middle of the day

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

above and across; more than

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

past form of “revolt” — make revolution

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading THE SECOND DISPATCH.

for a short time

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading THE SECOND DISPATCH.

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

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

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

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading From him, as they sat together and watched the diggers, John learned much of the fort's history, and something, too, of his hosts'; for Father Joly delighted in gossip, and being too deaf to derive much profit from asking questions kept the talk to himself--greatly to John's relief.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.

which person or people

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

belonging to which person

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Commandant himself donned a blouse and dug with the rest; and M. Etienne; and even old Jeremie Tripier, though grumbling over his rheumatism almost as bitterly as Sans Quartier over his wasted cabbages.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Every one, in fact, toiled, and with a will, at the King's _corvee_: every one, that is, except the women, and John, and Menehwehna (whose Indian dignity revolted against spade-work), and old Father Joly, the chaplain of the fort, who was too infirm.

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

From this reading Dominique Guyon departed shortly before noon; and a week later half a dozen _habitants_ arrived from Boisveyrac to work at the entrenchment which the Commandant had already opened across Sans Quartier's cabbage plot.