used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
barrelnounUS /ˈbærəl/
a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
despatches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
distinguishableadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃəbəl/
capable of being perceived as different or distinct
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
ESCORTnounUS /eˈskɔːrt/
someone who escorts and protects a prominent person
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
opinion or judgment
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
glimmernounUS /ˈɡlɪmər/
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
only a very short time before
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
looseningnounUS /ˈluːsənɪŋ/
an occurrence of control or strength weakening
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
pistolnounUS /ˈpɪstəl/
a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
pommelverbUS /ˈpɑːməl/
strike, usually with the fist
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
promptlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmptli/
with little or no delay
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
questionedverbUS /ˈkwestʃənd/
past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading "Speak quick!"
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
put a saddle on
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
for a short time
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
express in speech
From this reading "Speak quick!"
speakernounUS /ˈspiːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
vibrantadjectiveUS /ˈvaɪbrənt/
vigorous and animated
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
which person or people
From this reading "Who comes?" he questioned shortly, the low voice vibrant.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
people who are wounded
From this reading "We are taking a wounded man home," was the reply, the speaker riding forward.
but in spite of that
From this reading THE ESCORT The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes caught the glimmer of a star along a pistol barrel, and I drew up cautiously, loosening my own weapon.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "An officer with despatches," I answered promptly, "riding to Philadelphia--and you?"
