Chapter XVII

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

(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 Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

causing inconvenience

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

a continuing very loud noise

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

plural of “battery” — group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

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

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

make a resonant sound, like artillery

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

brought into existence

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

troops trained to fight on horseback

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

make a crackling sound

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

fall or come down violently

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

the occurrence of a change for the worse

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

put on clothes

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

plural of “drummer” — someone who plays a drum

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

one or the other of two

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

an opposing military force

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

divisible by two

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

United States film maker (1896-1973)

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

past form of “garrison” — station (troops) in a fort or garrison

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

destroyed or killed

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

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

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

a town in southwest Oklahoma

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

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 All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

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

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

an amphibious division of the United States Navy

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

and nothing more

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

musketeers and their muskets collectively

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

easily agitated

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

information about recent and important events

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

not any; not one

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

by chance

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

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

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

plural of “regular” — a regular patron

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

aged or processed

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

hunt or shoot snipe

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

soldiers collectively

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

in the near future

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

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

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

maintained at length without interruption or weakening

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

moving very fast

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

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

From this reading All through the excited army the news had gone that there had been a "meeting" Thursday down at Blackburn's Ford to the left front, "a reconnoissance in force," a staff-officer described it to silent, serious Major Stark, "merely to develop the enemy."

an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)

From this reading But there were few who did not at first feel, as Snipe felt, a nervous tremor about the knees at sound of those swift banging guns.

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

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading Veteran soldiers soon learn that cannon may boom all day and little damage be done, and that the real sound that tells of deadly battle is the sustained crackle and crash of musketry.

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

From this reading In more than a dozen regiments of raw soldiery camping in the fields about Centreville that hot July evening were lads no older than George Lawton.

which person or people

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading Among the seasoned regulars, few as they were, serving either as fifers or drummers in the infantry and marines, buglers in the batteries or trumpeters in the cavalry, were some who were even younger,--boys born in the army far out on the frontier, perhaps, or at the few garrisoned forts on the Atlantic coast,--sons of soldiers who knew no other life and who would have felt awkward in any dress but the uniform.