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Old Mortality, Volume 1.
Old Mortality, Volume 1.

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Old Mortality, Volume 1. is here in full — 138 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Old Mortality, Volume 1.
Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?
Campbell.
During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.
They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.
"If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Old Mortality, Volume 1.

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Old Mortality, Volume 1. is here in full — 138 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?
Line 2
Campbell.
/ˈkæmbəl/
Line 3
During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.
Line 4
They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.
Line 5
"If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

barrow noun US /ˈbæroʊ/

the quantity that a barrow will hold

From this reading “During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.”

cairn noun US /kern/

a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path

From this reading “During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.”

Campbell noun US /ˈkæmbəl/

United States mythologist (1904-1987)

From this reading “Campbell.”

fluctuating adjective US /ˈflʌktʃəweɪtɪŋ/

having unpredictable ups and downs

From this reading “They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.”

lightnings noun US /ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/

plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading “But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?”

Morton noun US /ˈmɔːrtən/

United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)

From this reading “During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.”

skirmish noun US /ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/

a minor short-term fight

From this reading “During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.”

tackle noun US /ˈtækəl/

the person who plays that position on a football team

From this reading “"If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."”

All words in this reading · 109

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

actionnounUS /ˈækʃən/

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/

weapons considered collectively

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

attendingnounUS /əˈtendɪŋ/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

barrownounUS /ˈbæroʊ/

the quantity that a barrow will hold

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

battlenounUS /ˈbætəl/

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

bottomnounUS /ˈbɑːtəm/

the lower side of anything

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

brecham

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

brownounUS /braʊ/

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

cairnnounUS /kern/

a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

CampbellnounUS /ˈkæmbəl/

United States mythologist (1904-1987)

From this reading Campbell.

chancenounUS /tʃæns/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

Claverhouse

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

CorporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/

a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

councilnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəl/

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

Cuddie

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

desertverbUS /ˈdezərt/

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/

true confidential information

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

fast-flashing

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

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

fliesnounUS /flaɪz/

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

fluctuatingadjectiveUS /ˈflʌktʃəweɪtɪŋ/

having unpredictable ups and downs

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

fournounUS /fɔːr/

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

franticadjectiveUS /ˈfræntɪk/

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

GabrielnounUS /ˈɡeɪbriəl/

(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

gettingnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/

the act of acquiring something

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/

prudent

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

hae

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

hillnounUS /hɪl/

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

Inglis

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

Kettledrummle

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

ladsnounUS /lædz/

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

lightningsnounUS /ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/

plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

misdoubt

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

MortonnounUS /ˈmɔːrtən/

United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

necksnounUS /neks/

plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

onounUS /oʊ/

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

passedverbUS /pæst/

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

prisonersnounUS /ˈprɪzənərz/

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

readilyadverbUS /ˈredəli/

without much difficulty

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

remainedverbUS /rɪˈmeɪnd/

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

ReverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/

a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

severeadjectiveUS /səˈvɪr/

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

skeel

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

skirmishnounUS /ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/

a minor short-term fight

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

soldiersnounUS /ˈsoʊldʒərz/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

standverbUS /stænd/

be standing; be upright

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

steednounUS /stiːd/

(literary) a spirited horse for state of war

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/

required or under orders

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

tacklenounUS /ˈtækəl/

the person who plays that position on a football team

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

viewnounUS /vjuː/

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

warnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

watchingnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

we'll

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

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But see! through the fast-flashing lightnings of war, What steed to the desert flies frantic and far?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading They were guarded by Corporal Inglis and four soldiers, who, as may readily be supposed, were much more intent on watching the fluctuating fortunes of the battle, than in attending to what passed among their prisoners.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the severe skirmish of which we have given the details, Morton, together with Cuddie and his mother, and the Reverend Gabriel Kettledrummle, remained on the brow of the hill, near to the small cairn, or barrow, beside which Claverhouse had held his preliminary council of war, so that they had a commanding view of the action which took place in the bottom.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If you lads stand to their tackle," said Cuddie, "we'll hae some chance o' getting our necks out o' the brecham again; but I misdoubt them--they hae little skeel o' arms."

Chapter 18 of Old Mortality, Volume 1. by Walter Scott holds 138 sentences, grouped into 28 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 18 of Old Mortality, Volume 1. contain?

Chapter 18 holds 138 sentences of Old Mortality, Volume 1., unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 18 of Old Mortality, Volume 1. by Walter Scott exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 138 sentences, grouped into 28 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

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