used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
matters of personal concern
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
allegedadjectiveUS /əˈledʒd/
declared but not proved
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
Arthur'snounUS /ˈɑːrθərz/
possessive form of “arthur” — elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
an occurrence of something
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
criminalitynounUS /ˌkrɪməˈnælɪti/
the state of being a criminal
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
dintnounUS /dɪnt/
interchangeable with “means” in the expression “by means of”
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
of the present time and place
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a message received and understood
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
LincolnnounUS /ˈlɪŋkən/
16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
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 "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
not any; not one
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
persistentadjectiveUS /pərˈsɪstənt/
never-ceasing
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
referredverbUS /rəˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “refer” — make reference to
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
releasedverbUS /riˈliːst/
past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
removalnounUS /rɪˈmuːvəl/
the act of removing
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
express the need or desire for
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
respectingverbUS /riˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of
From this reading Mr. Lincoln received him kindly, but could give no information respecting the arrest or alleged criminality of his friend.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
that is looked for
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
sourcesnounUS /ˈsɔːrsəz/
plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
surgeonnounUS /ˈsɜːrdʒən/
a physician who specializes in surgery
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading By dint of persistent inquiries at various sources, Harold finally ascertained that the prisoner had a few days previously been released, upon the assurance of the surgeon at the fort, that his failing health required his immediate removal.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "There were so many and pressing affairs of state that he could find no room for individual cases in his memory."
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the earliest opportunity, Harold proceeded to Washington, and sought an interview with the President, in relation to Arthur's case.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading However, he referred him to the Secretary of War, with a request that the latter would look into the matter.
