Chapter XXXIV

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

(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 All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

in a state of sleep

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

plural of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

in disarray; extremely disorderly

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

plural of “entrance” — something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

marked by intense agitation or emotion

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

past form of “ground” — fix firmly and stably

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

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

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

tied with a knot

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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 the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

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

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

the force of workers available

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

used to form the superlative

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

and nothing more

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

recurring again and again

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading At first the band of miners from the settlement kept at a distance.

get rid of

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

being ten more than fifty

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

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

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The men had been drawn up in two lines against the brick wall, so that they could not be attacked from behind.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading They were some thirty at most, and talked together in a violent and confused way.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

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

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.

which person or people

From this reading Maheude, who had arrived first with dishevelled hair beneath a handkerchief knotted on in haste, and having Estelle asleep in her arms, repeated in feverish tones:

in the company of; together with

From this reading All the entrances to the Voreux had been closed, and the sixty soldiers, with grounded arms, were barring the only door left free, that leading to the receiving-room by a narrow staircase into which opened the captains' room and the shed.