Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

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

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

great and constant diligence and attention

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

plural of “camp” — temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

come together

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

past form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

an alloy of copper and nickel with high electrical resistance and a low temperature coefficient; used as resistance wire

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

ten 10s

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

past form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

the body of people who lead a group

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

the probability of a specified outcome

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

engage in

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

the force of workers available

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

not any; not one

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

venous swelling external or internal to the anal sphincter

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading The rebel leader addressed the men during the afternoon, and Jim listened to him with deep interest.

a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading The site chosen was an old mining ground, and the field was broken with holes and piles of dirt, rendering proper formation impossible; and although the leaders were serious and earnest men, the bulk of the rank and file preserved a spirit of careless levity, and were like big boys playing a game.

fortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

closely encircling

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

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

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

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

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

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

From this reading He heard that there had been many more, but that the volunteers had returned to their camps on the surrounding fields to make further preparations, believing that there was no likelihood of an early encounter.

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

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.

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

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was much confusion on Eureka, and Jim could not see how the men were to benefit from the simple drill in which they were being instructed with great assiduity.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Done estimated that there were about two hundred and fifty men within the stockade.