used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
(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 I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
automaticadjectiveUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk/
operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
BatterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
Battery's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
bayonetsnounUS /ˈbeɪənets/
plural of “bayonet” — a knife that can be fixed to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading And, besides, I wanted him to lug the loot along.
bulgingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌldʒɪŋ/
curving or bulging outward
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a quad with a square body
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
go or come after and bring or take back
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
brought together in one place
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a person of German nationality
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
grinnounUS /ɡrɪn/
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
ground-sheet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
haversacknoun
a bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
helmetsnounUS /ˈhelməts/
plural of “helmet” — armor plate that protects the head
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
infantrynounUS /ˈɪnfəntri/
an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
lootnounUS /luːt/
goods or money obtained illegally
From this reading And, besides, I wanted him to lug the loot along.
lugverbUS /lʌɡ/
carry with difficulty
From this reading And, besides, I wanted him to lug the loot along.
messnounUS /mes/
a state of confusion and disorderliness
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
outfitsnounUS /ˈaʊtfɪts/
plural of “outfit” — any cohesive unit such as a military company
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
processionnounUS /prəˈseʃən/
(theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
precisely, exactly
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading “Seeing the Battery’s never had a prisoner to its own cheek, I thought one might please ’em.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
Signallernoun
someone who communicates by signals
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
slungverbUS /slʌŋ/
inflected form of “sling” — hurl as if with a sling
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
souvenirsnounUS /ˌsuːvəˈnɪrz/
plural of “souvenir” — something of sentimental value
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
refrain from harming
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
strapnounUS /stræp/
an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “I thought I’d fetch him right along,” the Lieutenant explained a little later to the O.C. Battery.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I’ve got full outfits for the mess this time, helmets and rifles and bayonets and all sorts.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
trampedverbUS /træmpt/
past form of “tramp” — travel on foot, especially on a walking expedition
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading And, besides, I wanted him to lug the loot along.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
in the company of; together with
From this reading So it came about that an hour after a procession tramped back through the lines of the infantry and on to the gun lines—one German, with a huge ground-sheet, gathered at the corners and bulging with souvenirs, slung over his shoulder, the Lieutenant close behind him with an automatic at the ready, and the Signaller, wearing a huge grin, and with a few spare helmets slung to his haversack strap.
