Chapter XVI

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

make loud demands

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

a boy or man

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading "Sweep the flag of rebellion to the Gulf!"

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay

From this reading "Sweep the flag of rebellion to the Gulf!"

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

a small number or amount

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

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

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

in a heated manner

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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 The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the state of being a man; manly qualities

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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 Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

an amphibious division of the United States Navy

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

dutifully complying with the commands or instructions of those in authority

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Sweep the flag of rebellion to the Gulf!"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

hard monotonous routine work

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

refusal to accept some authority or code or convention

From this reading "Sweep the flag of rebellion to the Gulf!"

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

plural of “regular” — a regular patron

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

plural of “southerner” — an American who lives in the South

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

sweep across or over

From this reading "Sweep the flag of rebellion to the Gulf!"

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

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The July sun beat hotly down on the long column, plodding south-westward through Fairfax.

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

From this reading "On to Richmond," said the Northern papers.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.

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

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

not aged or processed

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

plural of “volunteer” — (military) a person who freely enlists for service

From this reading And obedient to popular clamor, and in defiance of common sense, the Government ordered its little army--a handful of regulars and marines, three dozen regiments of State militia, or of half-drilled, unseasoned volunteers--to advance and attack an army of equal size, made up of enthusiastic Southerners as undrilled as the Northern volunteers, but the flower of their manhood, defending their own soil, in their chosen position.

edge of a way or road or path

From this reading Many a poor fellow fell by the wayside, unable to keep up the pace and carry his heavy burden.