Chapter XII

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

in addition

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

plural of “ambulance” — a vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

plural of “belgian” — a native or inhabitant of Belgium

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

next to; at the side of

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

travel across or pass over

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

comparative of “fierce” — marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

start firing a weapon

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

plural of “german” — a person of German nationality

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

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

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

in a heated manner

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

capable of being perceived by the mind or senses

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

compacted by ironing

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

with speed

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

cut with a saw

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

from appearances alone

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading In a level field beside the road a long tent had been pitched, and above it floated the flag of the Red Cross.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

in the direction of

From this reading Toward it, along the road, came slowly a seemingly endless line of motor ambulances.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

a quiet or hushed tone of voice

From this reading AN ARMY IN ACTION THE sound of cannonading grew fiercer and fiercer, as they advanced, and the undertone of rifle fire more perceptible.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading Below them in the valley, they caught glimpses from time to time, as the trees opened out a little, of the gray-clad host marching steadily forward, as though to overwhelm the forts by sheer weight of numbers; and then, as they came out above a rocky bluff, they saw a new sight--an earnest that the Belgians were fighting to some purpose.

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

From this reading It was evident that the Germans were rapidly getting more and more guns into action, and that the infantry attack was also being hotly pressed.